Residents and visitors of the Arlington area are set to experience notable changes in travel routes as the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) continues with the Southeast Connector Project. According to an update from the City of Arlington, Northbound US 287 will be shut down at Little Road starting on the evening of January 5, 2026, until the following morning, for ongoing construction related to this extensive $2.1 billion infrastructure project.
The Southeast Connector is aimed at improving connectivity by rebuilding and widening close to 16 miles of interstate and highways, including portions of I-20, I-820, and US 287. While the initiative promises to relieve congestion and increase safety, the current phase of construction necessitates the complete closure of a section of Northbound US 287. Commuters are directed to a signed detour route along the frontage road, and they can expect reduced speed limits to 55 mph throughout the corridor.
Moreover, the Northbound I-820 exit ramp to Lancaster Avenue/Craig Street is closed until January 15, 2026. Detours around other closed overpasses, such as Craig Street, Anglin Drive, and Sun Valley Drive, are in place, redirecting traffic through various alternate routes to circumvent the affected areas.
TxDOT urges travelers to keep abreast of changes and to plan their commutes accordingly. Real-time updates and detailed information about detours can be found on the Southeast Connector Project website or by reaching out through the provided email and toll-free hotline. Additionally, the City of Arlington has collaborated with Waze to provide up-to-the-minute traffic data, helping drivers find the best possible routes during these closures.
