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Major Traffic Shift Tuesday With Opening Of New Direct Connector

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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - The opening of a new direct connector from eastbound I-820 to northbound I-35W on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, means a major traffic switch for drivers.

Instead of exiting to the left, you will now exit to the right to continue onto I-35W north. As the new ramp opens, the existing left-hand-exit direct connector from eastbound IH 820 to northbound I-35W will close.

"The opening of this additional new direct connector represents major progress for the I-35W expansion," said Heather DeLapp, Regional Public Relations Manager, North Tarrant Infrastructure. "However, as with the previous traffic switch that was completed in January, this opening brings a significant change in traffic configuration. Drivers don't always pay close attention to traffic signs and end up making lane changes at the last minute. We strongly encourage everyone to pay close attention to the posted signage, stay alert to other drivers and slow down in this area."

This opening will result in the following associated closures:

Monday, February 29 at 9 p.m. through Tuesday, March 1 at 5 a.m.:
· The existing direct connector from eastbound IH 820 to northbound I-35W.
· Various lanes of eastbound IH 820. At the I-35W/IH 820 interchange.
· The direct connector from eastbound IH 820 to southbound I-35W.
· The left lane of northbound I-35W at the I-35W/IH 820 interchange.

This work is part of the $1.4 billion North Tarrant Express 35W project.

This includes a section that is currently ranked number six on the state's most congested roadway list along 6.5 miles of I-35W from north of I-30 to north of I-820 including the I-35W/I-820 interchange in Fort Worth.

The project includes the reconstruction of main lanes and the addition of TEXpress managed lanes.

(©2016 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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