Holiday drivers battle construction zones on I-35
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Tens of thousands of people are expected to hit the roads Wednesday and Thursday for the Thanksgiving holiday.
TXDOT expects traffic on Interstate 35 to be especially heavy over the holiday, and on top of that, miles of the interstate through Central Texas are currently construction zones with very narrow lanes.
"We just have to be extra careful on I-35,” traveler Jennifer Roper said. “We know it's dangerous."
More than 75 highway expansion projects are underway from the south side of Dallas to north of Georgetown. While much of the work is being done on the periphery—not on the road itself—temporary walls are very close to the road, leaving very little room for error.
"You got a semi on this side and then you're trying to just squeeze through, and then the barrier comes up, so it's like a sandwich. But you know, you just keep your cool," traveler Donald Bonner, Jr. said.
Troopers say the best strategy is to slow down.
"If you don't feel comfortable driving with a brick barrier to the left of you and an 18-wheeler to the right of you, have patience, slow your speed down," Texas State Trooper Robbie Barrera said.
Which means drivers should plan on some extra traveling time.
"Keep your hands on the steering wheel, limit the distractions, keep a safe following distance and get to your destination safely," Trooper Barrera said.
Drivers on I-35 through Central Texas can get real-time traffic information at My35.org.