Moving The I-35 Corridor Into The Future: Construction Projects That Will Affect Hays County Commuters

TxDOT and My35 Construction are moving the I-35 Corridor into the future with four projects that will affect Hays county commuters in many different ways…

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and My35 Construction are moving the I-35 Corridor into the future with three projects that will affect Hays County commuters in many different ways.

My35 is working with local Central Texas partners to make Texans’ vision a reality; listed below are four large projects that are either currently underway or will be coming to Hays County, specifically San Marcos and Kyle.

What is My35?

My35 was a unique approach to transportation planning that would put Texas citizens in the driver’s seat. The plan approved by the Texas Transportation Commission, which divided the I35 corridor into four regions: North Texas, Central Texas, Austin-San Antonio and South Texas.

Since 2008, hundreds of Texans have volunteered their time and expertise to develop a blueprint for a safer, smarter and less congested I-35.

Almost half of Texas’ population lives near the interstate, and it plays a major role in our state’s economy. It’s important for Texas citizens to drive the discussion about the future of I-35.

TxDOT is also exploring strategies to efficiently utilize the existing highway by working with local transit agencies, implementing improved traveler information systems and providing travel options for commuters and other peak-period travelers.

In the face of limited funding, TxDOT is working to leverage local and private partnerships to meet the vision outlined by Texans as part of the “My35 Study.”

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Moving the Hays County I-35 Corridor Into the Future

• I-35 from Kyle Crossing to RM 150

Project Overview
This project consists of ramp reversals for four northbound I-35 ramps between Kyle Crossing and RM 150.

I-35 at Posey Road

Project Overview:
This project consists of replacing the existing interchange configuration with a new I-35 main lane bridge over an at-grade reconstructed Posey Road, constructing new approaches, making intersection improvements, adding U-turns, performing ramp reversals, and converting two-way frontage roads to one-way. Currently, the I-35 main lanes go under Posey Road. The new configuration would have the I-35 main lanes going over Posey Road.

A look back at some highlights from TxDOT during 2018

• HERO Patrols More Than One Million Miles in 2018

• Thanks to an additional $2.1 million in funds from the Texas Transportation Commission, the Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) Program expanded to seven days a week to help motorists who find themselves stranded or involved in a crash on I-35. The free roadside service patrols along 138 miles of I-35, US 183, US 290, SH 71, and Loop 1 (MoPac) in the greater Austin area from 5 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

• TxDOT launches “There are Some Things More Confining than a Seat Belt” Safety Campaign

• TxDOT partnered with Eden Ganzerla and her family to develop a public safety outreach campaign urging drivers and passengers to always buckle up. The campaign consists of TV and radio public service announcements in both English and Spanish.

 
TxDOT Prepares for the 2018-2019 winter weather

Winter is right around the corner, and TxDOT is prepared. Maintenance crews recently held an exercise to make sure trucks and anti-icing materials are stocked for icy weather.

TxDOT’s Austin District activated the Emergency Operations Center to conduct a drill where crews in the field reported to their staging areas throughout the entire 11-county district.

This exercise was designed to help ensure the district has the proper manpower, equipment, and supplies at the ready for inclement weather events such as snow or ice.

What can you expect?

TxDOT works closely with meteorologists to monitor weather conditions. When winter precipitation is in the forecast, crews may pretreat roadways with a substance called brine – a saltwater mixture that’s sprayed on the highways.

This can be done days in advance or during the storm event. Brine helps prevent the bonding of ice on roadways and helps to melt the ice or snow into slush. Crews also use liquid and granular deicers, which break up the ice as they hit the pavement. TxDOT doesn’t typically use sand since it provides only temporary traction, and more precipitation can freeze over the top, later making it a slipping hazard.

When inclement weather is forecasted, TxDOT will send crews out to treat roadways, focusing first on major highways, including Loop 360, and then turning the focus to less-traveled state roadways.

Safe traveling begins by preparing yourself and your vehicle for winter driving. Make sure you properly maintain your vehicle and ensure your headlights and taillights are functioning.

When driving, slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination. Increase the distance between your car and others, observe traffic signs and always drive to conditions.