The Texas Transportation Commission approved a nearly $548 million contract to build the I-35 Capital Express South project, according to a May 31 news release.

Two high-occupancy-vehicle lanes will be constructed in each direction along I-35 from Hwy. 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 SE. The project will also add intersection bypass lanes and improve pedestrian and bicycle paths. Fluor Corp. was awarded the contract.

The commission also approved a separate $3.5 million contract to extend the pedestrian barrier along to deter pedestrians from crossing the interstate in areas without crosswalks. The completed barrier will run 25 miles along I-35 from SH 45 SE to Greenlawn Boulevard in Round Rock.