HOV Lanes on I-35, U.S. 67 to Disappear in Next Step of TxDOT's Southern Gateway Project

Peak-hour drivers of Interstate 35E and U.S. Highway 67, brace yourselves for a three-year headache. The HOV lanes on both highways in southern Dallas County will go away after Friday's rush hour as the Texas Department of Transportation takes another step in the $666 million Southern Gateway project.TxDOT and local officials broke ground on the 11-mile-long Southern Gateway on Feb. 28. The project will widen I-35E from four lanes to five in each direction and give the interstate two reversible, non-tolled express lanes from Colorado Boulevard to U.S. 67.On U.S. 67, a third lane will be added in each direction from I-35E to Interstate 20.When the current HOV lanes come back as the project is finished in late 2021, they'll be recast as reversible managed express lanes for single-occupancy vehicles, as well as vehicles carrying two or more people — the qualification to use the lanes now. None of the Southern Gateway will be tolled.What won't come back are a few of the access points to the current HOV lanes — I-35E at Reunion and Kiest boulevards, and U.S. 67 north of Ledbetter Drive. By design, express lanes offer fewer places to get on and off.   Continue reading...