Project Overview

The Southern Gateway Transportation Study will involve two phases. The first, a Major Investment Study, is intended to specifically define problems along IH 35E and US 67 and provide direction for future corridor improvements.

What IS a Major Investment Study? A Major Investment Study (MIS) helps communities solve difficult transportation problems by identifying challenges and recommending initial ideas for meeting them. A MIS does not necessarily generate specific plans, but rather helps pinpoint strategies for enhancing the overall transportation system.

IH 35E and US 67 concerns may seem simple to identify, but they are really quite complex. We all have experienced congestion on these highways - especially during peak hours. However, congestion may not be the problem, only a symptom. The problem may lie in the road design, or in the number of cars trying to utilize it, or in any number of issues. The MIS method is intended to reveal the core issues that create symptoms such as congestion.

A MIS also is designed to look at all reasonable means of improving the performance of a road or highway. The Southern Gateway will explore alternatives such as enhancements to major streets crossing the IH 35E and US 67 study area, DART light rail transit lines, bus park-n-ride lots and routes, and bicycle networks.

Following completion of the MIS, the study will focus on preliminary engineering, prior to a final design and project construction.