The Texas Department of Transportation is currently rebuilding the interchange where Interstate 35E and 35W meet in Denton. This work is part of a larger initiative to widen the highway corridor to address congestion and improve safety for local commuters. The project involves expanding the main interstate lanes from four to six and increasing the corresponding frontage roads from four to eight lanes.
The construction spans 4.8 miles, stretching from North Texas Boulevard to U.S. Highway 77 north of Denton. TxDOT states the total cost is $583 million, with funding derived from state and federal gas taxes as well as Propositions 1 and 7. These propositions provide transportation revenue through various state taxes, including those on oil and natural gas production, motor vehicle sales, and rentals.
Construction on this specific segment began in spring 2025, with completion anticipated in summer 2029. Crews are presently engaged in paving activities on both northbound and southbound main lanes and frontage roads. Additional tasks include grading and earthwork to prepare the soil, as well as work on bridges and retaining walls.
Tony Hartzel, a public information officer for the TxDOT Dallas district, noted that overhead signs and street lights are also being installed within the project limits.
Drivers traveling between Denton, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Oklahoma should anticipate shifting traffic patterns and temporary closures. Hartzel indicated that traffic impacts may change frequently due to the scale of the work. Local routes such as U.S. Highway 380, North Texas Boulevard, and Oak Street may also experience changes.
