The completion of an $8.2 million project to reconfigure northbound ramps at the intersection of I-35 and Hwy. 45 in Round Rock and Pflugerville was announced by the Texas Department of Transportation on Aug. 31.

The project to reconfigure ramps, reduce congestion and encourage safety was contracted with Jordan Foster Construction and paid for by TxDOT and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization funds. These ramps were effectively reversed, according to a project engineer.

"Increased traffic volumes in the area have caused backups for those trying to get home in Pflugerville, Round Rock and other locations,” TxDOT Austin District Engineer Tucker Ferguson said in a press release. “By reversing the northbound I-35 ramps, we improve safety and mobility for users on both the northbound mainlanes and frontage roads.”

An extended entrance and exit lane on the northbound I-35 main lanes under SH 45 North and along the northbound I-35 frontage road were also constructed in the project. Among new additions to the area are high-mast lighting and improvements at the intersection of Picadilly Drive and I-35.