Austin, Texas, is gearing up for a major overhaul of its bustling Interstate 35 (I-35) corridor. 

UK-based construction giant Balfour Beatty is taking the lead. 

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has awarded the company a massive $746 million contract to rebuild a critical 4-kilometer stretch of the highway that cuts through the heart of the city.

This ambitious project, part of TxDOT’s I-35 Capital Express Central initiative, aims to alleviate congestion and improve connectivity for the more than 200,000 vehicles that traverse this section of I-35 daily. The current infrastructure, struggling to keep pace with Austin’s rapid growth, will be replaced with a modern, efficient roadway designed to accommodate the city’s transportation needs for years to come.

Balfour Beatty’s winning bid reflects the company’s extensive experience in delivering complex infrastructure projects. With a 30-year history of successful collaborations with TxDOT, the company brings a wealth of expertise and a proven track record to this undertaking.

“This latest contract award demonstrates our leading civil engineering capabilities and is testament to our 30-year history of delivering projects for the Texas Department of Transportation,” said Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty Group Chief Executive. “Our selective bidding approach ensures that we leverage our strengths to work with long-term customers in the geographies in which we have proven expertise, strong teams and trusted supply chain partners.”

The project encompasses a comprehensive transformation of the I-35 corridor, including:

• Expansion to eight lanes: The existing roadway will be widened to accommodate eight general purpose lanes, significantly increasing capacity and easing traffic flow.
• New intersection: A major new intersection will be constructed to improve traffic circulation and enhance access to surrounding areas.
• Upgraded access roads: Multiple access roads will be upgraded to provide smoother transitions between I-35 and local streets.
• New Lady Bird Lake bridge: A new bridge will be built across the scenic Lady Bird Lake, replacing the aging structure that has served the city since 1956. This complex undertaking will require specialized marine engineering expertise, as the bridge will be constructed from a barge positioned on the lake.
• Riverside Drive bridge and intersection: A new bridge and innovative intersection will be built at Riverside Drive to accommodate a future light rail line, further enhancing public transportation options in the Central Texas region.

Beyond the immediate improvements to traffic flow and infrastructure, the I-35 Capital Express Central project also prioritizes community engagement and environmental considerations. Balfour Beatty is committed to working closely with local residents and businesses throughout the construction process to minimize disruptions and address any concerns. The project will also incorporate sustainable construction practices and aim to minimize its environmental impact.

This multifaceted project promises to bring significant benefits to Austin and its residents, including:

• Reduced congestion: The expanded roadway and improved traffic flow will alleviate traffic congestion, saving commuters time and reducing frustration.
• Better safety: Modernized infrastructure and improved roadway design will contribute to safer driving conditions for all users.
• Improved connectivity: The new intersection and upgraded access roads will enhance connectivity between I-35 and surrounding neighborhoods, facilitating easier access to businesses and amenities.
• Economic benefits: The project will create jobs and stimulate economic activity in the region, both during construction and upon completion.
• Efficient public transportation: The new bridge and intersection at Riverside Drive will support the expansion of the light rail network, providing more sustainable and efficient transportation options.

Construction on the I-35 project is expected to commence in the first half of 2025, with completion slated for 2033. At its peak, the project will directly employ over 150 people, contributing to local job creation and economic growth.