Fluor breaks ground on I-35 Capital Express South project in Austin, Texas

The I-35 Capital Express South project proposes to add two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast

Fluor Corporation and officials from the Texas Department of Transportation have broken ground on the Interstate 35 (I-35) Capital Express South project in Austin, Texas.

Fluor Corp. was awarded the $548-million project in the second quarter of 2022.

Lack of mobility on I-35 is threatening economic growth around Austin, and improvements are needed due to population and employment growth, which have caused increased congestion in the area, according to the project website. 

The I-35 Capital Express South project proposes to add two non-tolled high-occupancy vehicle managed lanes in each direction along I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast.

The project will also reconstruct bridges, add pedestrian and bicycle paths, and make additional safety and mobility improvements within the project limits.

“It is always gratifying to break ground on a new project that will provide relief from traffic congestion and improve mobility and safety,” said Thomas Nilsson, president of Fluor’s Infrastructure business. “This project reinforces Fluor’s commitment to deliver quality infrastructure and supports economic development and commerce in Texas. This is the first in a series of vital infrastructure projects to rebuild the I-35 corridor in response to business and population expansion in Austin, one of the country’s fastest growing regions.”

Interstate 35 through Austin is one of the most traveled interstates in Texas and serves as the backbone of the local, regional and national transportation network. This section of the interstate serves more than 150,000 vehicles per day.

Substantial completion is anticipated in early 2028.