October was a month of remarkable momentum for the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), as crews broke ground on major new projects, advanced ongoing construction and marked the end of an era for an iconic bridge.

I-35 NEX Central Project Reaches Milestone

In northeast San Antonio, one of the largest projects in the state — the $1.5 billion Interstate 35 NEX Central Project — passed the halfway mark this month.

The project, now more than 60 percent complete, will add three elevated lanes (two general-purpose and one HOV) in each direction along a 20-mile stretch of I-35.

Once finished, the new lanes will connect directly to Loop 410 North and Loop 1604 West, improving travel times for one of the state's busiest corridors.

TxDOT estimates the project will reduce travel times by up to 48 percent between Farm-to-Market 3009 and Interstate 410 N once completed in late 2027.

Era Ends for Old Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi

In Corpus Christi, October marked a bittersweet milestone — the lowering of the center span of the old Harbor Bridge, a structure that has connected communities for more than 60 years.

After several weather delays, TxDOT successfully lowered the massive steel span over the course of nine hours on Oct. 30. Residents gathered to watch the moment, many reflecting on the bridge's place in local history.

Ground Broken On SH 71 Overpass in Bastrop County

In Cedar Creek, TxDOT and local leaders broke ground on a $58.5 million overpass project at Tucker Hill Lane.

The project is part of a larger, corridor-wide effort that will remove traffic signals on State Highway 71, allowing drivers to travel between Austin and Houston without encountering a signal.

The project includes new one-way frontage roads and pedestrian and bicycle accommodations — part of TxDOT's push to improve both mobility and safety in one of Central Texas's fastest-growing regions.

Construction is expected to wrap up in fall 2028.

TxDOT Reviews Grand Parkway Expansion

TxDOT officials hosted a town hall in League City to share updates on the Grand Parkway Section B-1 expansion, which will extend from Interstate 45 to south of Farm-to-Market 2403 in Alvin.

The $1.96 billion project will create a new 14-mi. controlled-access toll road with direct connectors to I-45 and State Highway 35.

Design work is scheduled to begin in 2026, with construction anticipated to start in 2027.

Having fulfilled its life cycle, the work also will include the removal and replacement of the existing SH 35 pavement within the construction limits.

19th Street Project in Lubbock Nears Completion

In Lubbock, TxDOT announced that work on 19th Street — a major east-west artery through the city — will be "substantially complete" by the end of 2025.

Crews are finishing sidewalks, lighting and signal installations, and all lanes are expected to reopen by year's end. The project has improved safety and mobility along one of Lubbock's most traveled corridors.

(This article is reprinted courtesy of TxDOT.)