Waco, TX – Drivers in Waco should prepare for major traffic impacts as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and its contractor begin work to remove the South Valley Mills Drive direct connect to northbound I-35.
The work is scheduled to begin at midnight Friday, Aug. 7, 2026, as part of the My35 Waco South Construction Project. TxDOT said the removal operation is expected to take approximately 24 hours and will require several closures in the area.
During the work, all I-35 mainlanes between New Road and 12th Street will be closed. Additional closures will impact eastbound and westbound crossings at:
- 17th and 18th Streets
- Valley Mills Drive
- Irving Lee Street/Primrose Drive
The closures are needed to allow crews to safely remove the existing direct connect and begin preparations for construction of a new Diverging Diamond Intersection (DDI) planned for the area.
Following the direct connect removal, the Irving Lee Street/Primrose Drive underpass will remain closed for an additional 14 days while crews complete drainage and utility work. TxDOT said the underpass is expected to reopen on Saturday, Aug. 22.
The Waco Police Department shared the traffic alert with motorists and encouraged drivers to plan ahead, expect delays, and seek alternate routes while construction crews are working in the area.
The project is part of TxDOT’s ongoing improvements along the I-35 corridor in Waco, with the goal of improving traffic flow, safety, and connectivity through one of the region’s busiest transportation routes.
