Motorists accustomed to getting on Interstate 35W from Meacham Boulevard will have to change their habit.
The northbound I-35W on-ramp just north of Meacham Boulevard will be closed indefinitely, beginning Monday (Dec. 5). A temporary ramp will be opened in its place within a few months. Meanwhile, motorists wishing to access northbound I-35W are encouraged to instead go southbound about a mile to the Papurt Drive exit and make a giant U-turn.
The closure is part of the $2.5 billion North Tarrant Express project, which includes the reconstruction of Northeast Loop 820 and the addition of managed toll lanes. Although the expansion of I-35W itself is part of a later phase of the NTE project, considerable work is taking place near I-35W and Meacham to make way for enormous flyover ramps that are designed to take traffic to the new toll lanes.
"We understand that the construction process can have a significant impact on area businesses, residents and commuters,” said Lara Kohl, spokeswoman for Bluebonnet Contractors, the company in charge of the work. “We remain committed to finding solutions to mitigate the impact of these closures wherever possible, so we plan to construct a temporary ramp to allow access to northbound IH 35W during the construction process.”
The project is expected to be completed in 2015, and it includes reconstruction of Loop 820 as well as Texas 121/183 (aka Airport Freeway) in Bedford, Euless and Hurst.
@gdickson
Why would you suggest going south? Just go north on either Mark IV or Beach and hit 820 and continue north on I35W.
Posted by: fwdriver | November 28, 2011 at 08:08 PM
fwdriver: The southerly detour to Papurt was the contractor's suggestion, and it makes sense to me because the Papurt bridge over I-35W seems to be underused and easy to navigate. I'd be careful about going to Beach Street. It's a mess over by the 820 exit. There have been times I've been stuck in traffic over there for 5-10 minutes. Thanks for reading the post.
Gordon.
Posted by: Gordon Dickson | November 28, 2011 at 08:16 PM
Do NOT take Beach. It is horrible and will take you forever to get through. Mark IV is an okay idea, but generally lots of people take that as a "backup" and it can get clogged as well...
Posted by: Bee | November 29, 2011 at 01:17 AM
One comment on the Papurt Street suggestion. BE CAREFULL WHEN ENTERING THE RAMP TO I-35 NORTH FROM PAPURT!!! If you are not familiar with the area, there is an exit ramp you have to deal with right about the time you are trying to merge onto I-35. With the increased amount of drivers trying to maneuver through this zone, expect accidents to skyrocket.
Posted by: meangreen1991 | November 29, 2011 at 07:33 AM