Plan Ahead! Removal of Valley Mills Drive Flyover to Close I-35 Mainlanes for 24 Hours

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) plans to remove the South Valley Mills Drive direct connect (flyover) to northbound I-35 in Waco, Texas, beginning at midnight on Friday night, Aug. 7, 2026, which will close all I-35 mainlanes for about a 24-hour period. (SEE MAP BELOW.)

These closures will allow crews to safely remove the flyover and begin preparations to construct the new Diverging Diamond Intersection planned for the area.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• How long will the mainlane closures last?

  The work will take approximately 24 hours to complete. During this period, all I-35 mainlanes between New Road and 12th Street will be closed. Expect delays, and motorists are advised to plan any travel in advance.

• How will traffic flow through Waco?
  • For local northbound mainlane traffic, drivers will be directed off the mainlanes after New Road and use the newly reconstructed I-35 northbound frontage road to bypass the Waco Traffic Circle and reenter the mainlanes at 12th Street.
  • For local southbound mainlane traffic, drivers will be directed to the I-35 southbound frontage road at Exit 333A (Valley Mills Dr. and La Salle Ave.) and reenter the mainlanes after Irving Lee Street. 

• Are there alternate routes to use, and will law enforcement help with traffic flow? 

  Through-traffic is highly encouraged to use Loop 340, SH 6, and US-77 BUS as alternative routes. Law enforcement will direct traffic at key intersections in these areas to accommodate increased traffic volumes.

• Will crossings in the closed mainlane areas be closed?

  Yes, to maintain traffic flow on the frontage roads, east and westbound under/overpasses in this area will also be closed for the duration of the removal. These include the crossings at 17th and 18th streets, Valley Mills Drive and Irving Lee Street/Primrose Drive.

• Where can I get updates on the closures?

  Follow TxDOT Waco on Facebook or X @TxDOTWaco for the most current updates on construction activities and lane closures. Schedules are dependent on weather, field conditions and work progress. 

Please watch for crews and equipment in the work zone and pay attention to posted signage and traffic direction from law enforcement.