I-35 traffic switch Thursday, Oct.22

ELLIS COUNTY – Two northbound lanes of traffic on I-35E just south of Waxahachie will be channeled into a new detour configuration on new concrete beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 22. The switch is expected to be complete by mid-day Friday, Oct. 23.  

As a result of the work scheduled for Thursday, ramp access from and to the freeway in the northbound direction will be temporarily cut off for 12 to 24 hours. This will primarily affect the town of Forreston and the safety rest area located south of Waxahachie. Temporary ramps will be constructed at this time.  

This traffic switch will allow the next phase of the project to begin which involves the construction of the new northbound mainlanes. 

This operation is part of a $62.3 million project to rehabilitate I-35E. W. W. Webber, LLC is the contractor on the project. The reconstruction project is expected to be complete by the summer of 2010. 

Portable message boards have been in place advising motorists of the traffic switch. Detour signs and local law enforcement officers also will be in place to guide traffic through the area during the switch. All work is weather permitting.