More than half a billion dollars in new funding is headed to I-35W, paving the way for a major expansion of frontage roads along the busy corridor from Northlake toward Denton.
The Texas Transportation Commission adopted its 2027 Unified Transportation Program at its Aug. 26 meeting, including $555.4 million in new funding for I-35W improvements in Denton County.
“We are eager to see how these much-needed improvements will become a reality,” Denton County Judge Andy Eads said.
The funding will be used to build out frontage roads along I-35W from south of FM 1171 to north of John Paine Road/Allred Road, just south of Denton.
The improvements are expected to be constructed in phases over the next decade, with work scheduled to begin as early as summer 2027.
Utility relocations will help determine the construction schedule for each section of the corridor. Denton County will contribute $20 million toward efforts to expedite those relocations and keep the projects moving forward.
Full interchanges are also expected to be constructed along I-35W at FM 1171, Denton Creek Drive, FM 407, Old Justin Road, Robson Ranch Road/Crawford Road and John Paine Road/Allred Road.
According to TxDOT, the projects should be completed by 2036.
The funding came after more than a year of negotiations between the Texas Department of Transportation, the Regional Transportation Council and Denton County.
“Denton County is blessed to have such great partnerships with the Highway Commission, the TxDOT-Dallas District and the MPO staff of the RTC,” said Eads. “Today’s announcement shows what can be done when we work together for the good of our residents.”
Denton County also credited TxDOT commissioners Robbie Vaughan and Steve Alvis, as well as Texas Senate Transportation Chair Tan Parker for their help in securing the funding.
“This transformational investment brings critical improvements to the heavily congested I-35W corridor, enhancing public safety, improving mobility and strengthening economic vitality throughout Denton County and the North Texas region,” said Parker. “There is no greater priority than the safety and well-being of the people we serve, and I am grateful for the strong partnerships that delivered this major infrastructure accomplishment for our area.”
Denton County has been one of the fastest-growing counties in the country over the last few years, and recently exceeded more than 1 million residents.
The county finished up work on FM 407 under I-35W in July, but was restriped in an effort to further improve traffic flow at the busy intersection.
Denton County is also working on improvements to Robson Ranch Road near I-35W, which will widen the roadway ahead of the opening of H-E-B.
The additional funding will help shape the I-35W corridor through southern Denton County as the area sees major growth. It will eventually help accommodate traffic from the quickly-rising Landmark and Cole Ranch developments.
“This funding will ease commute times and significantly strengthen economic development,” said Eads. “Our job as public servants is to make sure the infrastructure is there to ensure our residents experience a high quality of life.”
Further south, Flower Mound and Argyle are in a race to expand their I-35W footprint with the former laying out plans for multiple big box stores and residential communities and the latter slowly progressing on plans to bring a membership-based retail warehouse.
A new fire station for Denton County Emergency Services District No. 1 and 2 to work out of also recently began operations along I-35W and Dale Earnhardt Way, near where the new frontage roads will be added.
