I-35 HIGHWAY EXPANSION PROMISES ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY, RENEWAL, AND FAST-PACED GROWTH IN GAINESVILLE, TX

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) I-35 expansion project, from FM 3002 to the Red River in Oklahoma, is beginning to take shape in Gainesville and people are taking notice. 

The proposed improvements include six newly constructed frontage road bridges spanning the Elm Fork of the Trinity River, the Red River and BNSF railroad tracks, all-new intersections enhancing traffic flow, and six lanes for traffic with an option to expand to eight lanes in the future. This will benefit drivers in Gainesville and  Cooke County by improving access to prime locations, improving connectivity and reducing traffic congestion.

Daniel Batey, Vice President, Range Realty Advisors LLC, said, “The I-35 expansion near Gainesville will lead to improved visibility, ease of access, and  increased VPD (vehicles per day) through the area.” As part of the expansion project, TxDOT recently demolished several old structures on sites near the northwest corner of I-35 and Hwy 82.

Developers and site selectors for restaurants, retailers, hotels, and apartments are interested in building along the new I-35 corridor. According to Batey, “The redevelopment of I-35 brings better access and drivability for property fronting the interstate and is more attractive for incoming developers, including higher-quality retailers that previously would not have considered the area.” 

Steve Schmitz, President of Mesa Real Estate Partners, says higher traffic counts will create new opportunities for development. Schmitz states, “I believe more people will move to far North Texas once the interstate construction is complete. As a real estate investor and developer, it’s important to envision and prepare for the final effects of the highway improvements.”

Schmitz successfully redeveloped the northeast corner of I-35 and Hwy 82. The site previously housed a run-down motel and other unsightly structures. Today, it boasts three high-performing quick service restaurants, as well as multi-story office buildings for Select Water Solutions and First State Bank headquarters. 

Now that I-35 improvements are becoming a reality, and more substandard structures are being cleaned up, business prospects are seeing new opportunities. The completion of the six-lane I-35 expansion project is expected to catalyze business growth spurring additional investment along Gainesville’s renewed I-35 corridor.

About the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation 

The mission of the Gainesville Economic Development Corporation (GEDC) is to create a diversified, vibrant, and sustainable economy enhancing the quality of life for residents and businesses. The corporation encourages economic expansion through supporting local business success and entrepreneurship development while assisting site selectors with relocation and expansion opportunities. To accomplish this, GEDC leverages local economic development sales tax receipts with private investments and city, county, state, and federal resources. Contact us for more information.