Traffic in Arlington is in for a shake-up as the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) plunges forward with its $233 million Interstate 30/SH 360 Interchange Project. While the development promises to improve flow and safety in the long run, drivers are facing a labyrinth of nightly closures from Feb. 26 through Feb. 28 as the SH 360 southbound entrance from Lamar Blvd shuts down for painting operations from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Traffic will be rerouted to the next entrance from SH 180/Division Street, according to details released on the City of Arlington's official website. Commuters can expect delays, with the timing of these closures subject to change due to weather or work schedule adjustments. For drivers seeking to dodge these disruptions, the city has recommended the use of Waze—a real-time navigation app that's available for free download and offers optimal routes to skirt road closures.
While the project is expected to be substantially complete by the end of 2023, the I-30/SH 360 Interchange has seen a string of updates and traffic pattern changes. Among the shifts, the I-30 westbound mainlanes made a permanent move between Great Southwest Parkway and Ballpark Way starting Nov. 22, 2023. Similarly, eastbound travelers witnessed a significant shift in their route as I-30 eastbound mainlanes transitioned to their permanent position between Ballpark Way and Great Southwest Pkwy as of Sept. 10, 2023.
For those lengthy traffic delays, the city in partnership with Waze comes as a savior for drivers vying to bypass the ensuing congestion. Arlington has been proactive, "the City of Arlington has partnered with Waze to give drivers the best experience possible to get around town," noted a bold update from the city's news release. Meanwhile, curious minds and stakeholder eyes can visit the Keep 30360 Moving website for fresh project photos and further information on the I-30/SH 360 construction progression.
This complex dance of construction has also permanently altered access points, such as the I-30 eastbound entrance from Convention Center Drive/Copeland Road and the SH 360 southbound exit to Lamar Boulevard, among others. With the interchange being a critical juncture, the reconfiguration of these roads is an attempt to streamline traffic and prepare for future Arlington's transportation demands. The direct connector ramp from I-30 eastbound to SH 360 southbound, serving as a vivid example, began its service back on Aug. 9, 2020.
Despite the inconvenience the construction work might cause, the outcome is anticipated to be a more efficient roadway system. Commuters are advised to keep updated on the latest traffic conditions and plan their routes accordingly during this transitional period of the Interchange Project's completion.