Jul 10th 2020 | Posted in Texas Government Insider by Texas Government Insider

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) told Cibolo councilmembers that the department plans to sign a construction contract in summer 2021 for the initial phase of the $12.5 billion Interstate 35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) project in Bexar and Guadalupe counties.

The I-35 Northeast Expansion project involves the construction of two non-toll 15-mile long bridges (elevated lanes) between the I-35 main lanes and frontage roads from Interstate 410 South to FM 3009.

Interstate 35 Northeast Expansion map

TxDOT officials reported they are in the design-build procurement stages for the initial phase of the project that includes the elevated lanes between Interstate 410 North and FM 3009, and direct connectors with I-410 North and Loop 1604 West. The elevated lanes will provide one high-occupancy vehicle lane and two general purpose lanes in each direction.

The proposed improvements between FM 3009 and FM 1103 will include at-grade widening of the main lanes for the addition of two general purpose lanes.
TxDOT has secured $1.3 billion for construction through alternate delivery for the first phase of the project from I-410 North to FM 3009, which is anticipated to begin in spring 2021 and be completed by fall 2024. The second phase from I-410 South to I-410 North and third phase from FM 3009 to FM 1103 are unfunded.

More TxDOT projects are in store for Cibolo, including a plan to widen FM 1103.

The estimated $24 million project will expand FM 1103 to four lanes, with a center turn lane from I-35 to near Rodeo Way and Steele High School. The 3.83-mile expansion includes 5-foot wide bike lanes, 6-foot wide sidewalks, and a traffic signal at the intersection of Turning Stone.

Selection of a contractor is anticipated in January 2021, and construction is expected to begin in spring 2021.