The Texas Transportation Commission unanimously voted on November 19, 2009 to spend approximately $2 billion in 74 new highway projects, including $418.1 million to expand Interstate Highway 35 through Bell County. The money comes from Proposition 12 bond proceeds, which Texas Voters approved in 2007 and the Legislature authorized earlier this year.
This I-35 widening is planned to be from FM 2843 to FM 2484 in Salado; and, from the north Loop 363 in Temple through Troy, through Falls County, and into McLennan County to Woodlawn Road.
This funding does not address widening of I-35 through Temple/Belton and Waco, as, like many other important projects across the state, some I-35 expansion projects will not meet the bonds' expenditure timeframe.
According to TxDOT website, other projects on the considered list for Bell County, but did NOT make the approved list, were new lanes on US 190 from SP 172 (Fort Hood Main Gate) to W.S. Young; US 190 "turnaround" at FM 2410; Construct frontage roads on Loop 363 in Temple from I-35 North to Hwy 53; Construct new lanes on Hwy 317 from FM 2305 to FM 439; an overpass at Hwy 195 and Stagecoach Road/SH201; Widen roadway on FM 437 from FM 940 to Hwy 53 in Zabcikville; Widen roadway on FM 1237 from Hwy 317 to I-35; and, Widen roadway on FM 935 from I-35 to Falls County line.
From 2006 through 2008, Bell and McLennan counties, both, had more than 200 vehicle crashes occur on Interstate 35, with more than 300 individual injuries suffered annually.
As one of the top corridor projects in the state, these planned improvements for I-35 will enhance safety for motorists and provide for more efficient movement of goods as traffic continues to grow into the years to come.
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