I-35 serves as a major gateway in the San Antonio area. As San Antonio continues to grow, congestion along I-35 also increases. To address this congestion, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is proposing improvements to I-35 northeast of downtown. The proposed improvements will also address safety and improve this section of I-35 to better meet growing demands from additional motorists.
Construction limits, which account for transitions into the existing roadways, extend along I-35 from Walters Street to Freisenhahn Lane (north of FM 1103), I-410 North from Nacogdoches Road to I-35, I-410 South from I-35 to WW White Road, and Loop 1604 from Nacogdoches Road to I-35. The distance between the construction limits on I-35 is approximately 19.5 miles.
The proposed project would require approximately 26 acres of additional right of way (ROW). Approximately 68 parcels would be associated with ROW acquisitions for the proposed project. A total of one residence, two businesses, portions of two parking facilities, two signs, 11 billboards and one sewage lift station are anticipated to be displaced by the proposed project.
Proposed Improvements
The proposed improvements to I-35 from the I-35/I-410 South interchange to FM 1103 include:
- Expansion of the existing 6- to 10-lane I-35 facility to a 12- to 16-lane facility by constructing one HOV lane and two General Purpose (GP) lanes in each direction on elevated structure
- Improving interchanges at Loop 1604, I-410 South to better accommodate added lanes
- Revisions to ramps and frontage roads
- Accommodations for drainage, utilities, signs and other highway improvements.
Proposed Timeline
- The Planning and Environmental Linkage (PEL) study for the corridor was completed in 2013 and the Environmental Assessment in 2015 with the issuance of Finding Of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
- Construction for Phase I of the project from I-410 North to FM 3009 is anticipated to begin in Spring of 2021 and completed by Fall of 2024.
- Phase II from I-410 South to I-410 North is currently unfunded, pending UTP approval.
- Phase III from FM 3009 to FM 1103 and direct connectors with Loop 1604 East is unfunded.
Braun & Gresham, PLLC attorneys can help.
Texas has been aggressively acquiring private land through condemnation for transportation projects across the state to accommodate the needs of a growing population. If you have been contacted by TxDOT or any of their representatives, please contact us immediately. The important thing to remember is that even if you’ve received a letter in the mail from a condemnation entity informing you of their intentions, this does not mean that it’s a done deal. There are many ways to influence the condemnation process to ensure that your wants and needs are met, but it’s important that you involve knowledgeable professionals that can help guide you through the process.