DALLAS, TX — Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) officials were joined by federal, state, and local leaders in a groundbreaking celebration, done virtually, to commemorate the beginning of a five-year effort to rebuild and widen Interstate 635 (I-635) and rebuild the I-635/I-30 interchange in Dallas County. Texas Transportation Chairman J. Bruce Bugg Jr. shared his sentiments along with Texas Governor Greg Abbott, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Garland Mayor Scott Lemay, Mesquite Mayor Bruce Archer, and a host of other state, county, and local officials.

“Investing in our infrastructure is vital to our economy and vital to the quality of life for the people of Texas,” Abbott said in the virtual celebration, in the form of a video montage. “This project for I-635 East will ensure more jobs and less congestion in our communities. I thank Chairman Bruce Bugg and all of the commissioners for their excellent leadership as they tackle some of the worst traffic congestions in the state of Texas.”

“I’m proud to add my voice to the chorus of support for funding and moving forward with 635 East,” Bugg said. “This project will improve safety and will bring immediate and long-lasting relief to one of the worst bottlenecks in Texas.”

The 11-mile project on I-635 from U.S. 75 to I-30 will build continuous frontage roads, fully reconstruct and expand the mainlanes from eight lanes to 10, and rebuild all cross streets, as well as the I-30/I-635 interchange. Major roadway enhancements include updating roadway designs to meet current standards and implementing wider cross streets to increase traffic capacity.

“This $1.7-billion roadway construction project is part of the plan to continue to improve mobility and address congestion, while doing it safely,” Johnson said. “This is what we can achieve when we work together with the communities, and I’m delighted that this project is advancing.”

The virtual groundbreaking celebration features speakers in a montage format and is posted on the project website under the “View” tab. TxDOT Dallas District Engineer Mo Bur hosted the program. Also posted on the project website are extended versions of each individual’s remarks.

The 635 East Project is one of several Texas Clear Lanes projects in Dallas County to start construction since the program began in 2015. Designed to address Texas’ most congested highways, Texas Clear Lanes includes more than 40 projects statewide designed to improve mobility.

“Today is a great day for Dallas County and the cities of Dallas, Garland, and Mesquite. I look forward to the launch of this project and the many more planned as we keep Texas moving forward for decades to come,” Abbott said.

Construction for the 635 East Project began in spring 2020, which included the closure of the I- 635 HOV/Express lanes, mainlane restriping, utility relocations, and installation of new bridge foundations in its first few months.