Waco's twin bridges are receiving a $114 million makeover, according to kcentv.com.
"These bridges are old. They're over 60 years old so, ultimately, it's a safety project" said Jake Smith, spokesperson of the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Waco District.
The project comes at a time when funding is available. That allowed TxDOT to address infrastructure needs while still preparing for future regional growth.
The Twin Bridges reconstruction is set to be finished in 2029.
Drivers traveling across the twin bridges now face limited space, with just two lanes and minimal shoulder room. The renovation is designed to improve the situation.
"If you travel on the twin bridges right now, you've got two lanes and not much else," Smith said to kcentv.com. "This new project will add shoulders, and it will add for future accommodations for expansion."
That expansion includes a new lane in each direction. The shoulders will be 10 ft.
Orion Construction LLC has begun preliminary work on the project, although most people may not notice the activity, kcentv.com reported.
"There's work being done, it is largely in the water around the water, so the public may not be able to see it right now, but they are working under the bridge," Smith said.
TxDOT officials told kcentv.com that major disruptions are still several months away; some minor closures have occurred at the start of the initial construction phase.
"You won't see significant traffic impacts to the highway until next year," Smith told kcentv.com.
TxDOT representatives have actively communicated with residents and businesses about the project timeline with a goal of minimizing inconvenience and allowing for proper planning.
The twin bridges project is just one ongoing infrastructure improvement around Waco. The reconstruction of I-35 Waco South — the last regional section of the interstate to be updated — continues, kcentv.com reported.
Crews on that project are focused on drainage and utility work. More visible activity is scheduled in the coming months.
"The significant impact to traffic, we'll work on our traffic switch, is scheduled this summer," said Smith. "So, for now until then, there's some prep work and barrier work."
