Heads up if you’re planning to use I-635 over the next couple of nights. Garland’s major freeway corridor will see a complete shutdown as part of the extensive $1.7 billion LBJ East project led by the Texas Department of Transportation. Commuters should brace to take alternate routes: all lanes westbound from Miller to US Highway 75 will be closed from 10 p.m. Tuesday through 5 a.m. Wednesday, and eastbound lanes between Forest Lane and Miller will follow suit during the same hours from Wednesday to Thursday. The project aims not just to expand, but significantly to improve the flow of traffic on this crucial stretch of road.
As reported by the City of Garland, detours will redirect drivers onto frontage roads, with traffic lights being temporarily disabled to facilitate the detoured flow. The crossing streets, such as Miller and Plano Roads, will also see diversions in place, and reduced lanes will be a common sight on the freeway leading up to Monday, Oct. 27. Those traveling later in the evening should anticipate a narrower path with no more than one lane open west of Plano Road between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m.
But the freeway is just part of the story. Garland will be hit with more disruption: lane closures on the eastbound I-635 frontage road are likely throughout the week during daylight hours, while overnight closures at Shiloh Road and Northwest Highway will add to the transportation tapestry. All these arrangements and closures will surely test the adaptability and patience of the daily commuters and the occasional travelers through this area…