AUSTIN, TX — The Texas Transportation Commission approves a $547.6-million contract to build the I-35 Capital Express South project. The project will add two high-occupancy-vehicle lanes in each direction along I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast. In addition to the new capacity, the project will also construct intersection bypass lanes and improve pedestrian and bicycle paths. Fluor Corporation was awarded the construction contract.

The Commission also approved the following contracts:

• $3.5-million contract to extend the pedestrian barrier along I-35
• $7.1-million contract given to Lone Star Paving to resurface SH 45 North between Pecan Park Boulevard in Cedar Park and I-35
• $1-million contract also given to Lone Star Paving for work on SH 130 between FM 969 and Hog Eye Road
• $459,000 contract given to Austin Traffic Signal Construction to install new traffic signals along FM 812 at SH 130 and FM 2430
• $7.1-million contract given to Hunter Industries to add a 12-foot center-turn lane and eight-foot shoulders to SH 80 in eastern Hays County
• $9.7-million contract given to MPB, Inc. to widen a 6.4-mile section of the highway east of Old San Antonio Road to west of Wildseed Farms