I-35 NEX Central Reaches Southbound Elevated-Lane Beam Milestone
A reported final-beam placement marks progress on part of the $1.5B Central project, with overall completion still targeted for late 2027.
Crews have installed the final beam for a portion of the southbound elevated lanes on I-35 NEX Central, according to October 15 reporting citing TxDOT. The milestone concerns a section of the elevated works, not completion of the entire interstate expansion.
TxDOT’s project page places the Central design-build cost at $1.5 billion and retains a late-2027 completion estimate. Construction began in June 2022 across a 9.5-mile corridor through northeast San Antonio, Live Oak, Selma and Schertz.
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What the Central project adds
The project runs from I-410 North to FM 3009 and adds three elevated lanes in each direction: two mainlanes and a high-occupancy-vehicle lane. Connections to I-410 North and Loop 1604 West form part of the intended network.
Ramp construction and reconfiguration are also needed to connect existing lanes with the elevated system. The placement of a final beam on one section is therefore a structural milestone within a larger sequence of roadway and systems work.
One phase within a wider program
TxDOT describes the wider NEX program as a $3.5 billion investment. That total covers multiple segments and must be distinguished from the $1.5 billion Central contract. Later delivery dates for other sections do not replace the Central project’s published schedule.
The broader program also includes drainage, utility and operational improvements. These less visible elements are important to opening the highway safely and maintaining performance after construction.
What remains after beam placement
Deck construction, connections, barriers, pavement and operational preparation can follow structural erection. The reviewed milestone does not establish that all those activities are finished or that the elevated lanes are open to traffic.
The confirmed design-build participants appear in the member contractor section. Upcoming traffic switches, opening notices and TxDOT’s completion updates will provide a clearer measure of progress toward the late-2027 target.