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The Cost of Expanding I-35
When discussing the plans for Trans-Texas Corridor 35 (TTC-35), we are often asked this question: “Why not just expand I-35?”
To answer that question, we contracted with a highly respected engineering firm—HNTB—to prepare a report that would compare expansion of I-35 to TTC-35 in terms of cost, impact of right-of-way acquisition on existing businesses, and impact on the tax base.
The report showed that expanding I-35 beyond what is already planned between San Antonio and Oklahoma would cost more, impact more existing businesses and have higher consequences to the tax base than development of an alternative, parallel highway.
Right now, TxDOT has nearly $10 billion in improvements planned for I-35, including widening the interstate to a minimum of three lanes between Georgetown and Waxahachie. It is our assertion that while the planned work will help address traffic congestion problems, it will not meet the long-term transportation needs of Texas.
To meet future needs, TTC-35 is being considered as a new, alternate transportation corridor parallel to I-35. Depending on location and demand, TTC-35 could ultimately include separate lanes for cars and trucks, passenger and freight rail, and room for utility transmission. The first element to be constructed will likely be a four-lane toll road (two lanes in each direction) from San Antonio to Oklahoma.
Highlights of HNTB’s report include:
- Adding one lane each direction to I-35 from San Antonio to Oklahoma would cost $10.7 billion and impact 1,138 existing businesses, buildings and other facilities.
- Adding two lanes each direction to I-35 from San Antonio to Oklahoma would cost $20.7 billion and impact 2,599 existing businesses, buildings and other facilities.
- Expanding the interstate to meet the needs for 2025 as identified by the 1999 I-35 Trade Corridor Study between Laredo and Oklahoma would cost $36.5 billion and impact 3,173 existing businesses, buildings and other facilities.
- Construction of the TTC-35 toll road would be funded by private investment and would likely impact existing businesses, buildings and other facilities significantly less than expansion of I-35 since TTC-35 will be located in mostly rural areas.
- Expanding the interstate to meet the needs for 2025 as identified by the 1999 I-35 Trade Corridor Study could remove property valued at nearly $2.3 billion from the tax roll and an estimated $881 million loss in sales, resulting in a loss of $55 million in state sales tax revenue.
- Constructing TTC-35 would remove property valued at $38.7 million from the tax roll.
