Photo by Danny Fulgencio
Driving through the northern part of Lake Highlands can be challenging these days, thanks to the Texas Department of Transportation’s effort to ease congestion along Interstate 635, a project/projects the Advocate has covered frequently over the years.
The paradox is that solving North Dallas’ gridlock problem, long term, means a ton of traffic annoyances today.
If you have been frustrated by either street closures that impede your way or excess residential neighborhood traffic due to detours, TXDOT does have a page on which neighbors can keep track of impediments related to the I-635 work.
The updates are divided into three neighborhoods. Segment 1 covers Lake Highlands, as does most of Segment 2, while Segment 3 refers mostly to the Garland and Mesquite neighborhoods that are I-635 adjacent.
There is a reprieve in February from daytime road and lane closures in the Lake Highlands area, however, nighttime (9 p.m.-5 a.m.) closures remain on I-635 between Greenville Ave. and Royal Ln./Miller Rd. exits, when the highway is reduced to one lane through Feb. 26. The eastbound frontage road at TI Blvd. also is closed overnight until Feb. 19. The westbound I-635 frontage road ramp to U.S. 75, eastbound I-635 exit to TI Boulevard and eastbound I-635 frontage road ramp to TI Boulevard are also closed overnight until Feb. 26.
The eastbound I-635 entrance at Skillman St. could be closed until summer (detour map), while, according to the website, Markville Dr. along the eastbound I-635 frontage road should be re-opened after a long-term closure.
Overnight in Segment 2, all lanes along north and southbound Amanda Ln. will be closed at the eastbound I-635 frontage road through Saturday (Feb 18).
For the closings and detours in full, visit the site, where you can also find updates on the status of the project.
The Texas Transportation Commission approved plans for I-635 in 2019.
The 11-mile, $1.6-billion project was estimated to be complete in late 2024.
“This is in many ways a very exciting milestone for our entire region, our city and certainly the communities of Lake Highlands and Hamilton Park,” Dallas councilman for District 10 Adam McGough told the commission at its meeting. “There are a lot of people that are excited about this project moving forward.”
Lake Highlands and Garland residents and stakeholders have spent more than 20 years lobbying the state to improve this section of I-635. Long term, the project is expected to increase road safety, decrease commute times, relieve congestion and accommodate expected growth in the region.
