On September 18, 2026, Denton County announced that the Texas Transportation Commission had adopted the 2027 Unified Transportation Program on August 26, 2026. The program includes approximately $555.4 million in new funding for improvements to the I-35W corridor in Denton County. The funding builds out frontage roads along I-35W from south of FM 1171 to north of John Paine Road/Allred Road, just south of Denton, and constructs full interchanges at points along the corridor. For commuters in Harvest, Pecan Square, and Northlake, it is the clearest signal yet that a major and heavily traveled north-south corridor through Denton County is being built out to match the growth around it.
What was approved for I-35W in Denton County?
The 2027 Texas Unified Transportation Program includes approximately $555.4 million in new funding for frontage roads and full interchanges along I-35W from south of FM 1171 to north of John Paine Road/Allred Road. The program was adopted on August 26, 2026, and Denton County announced the allocation on September 18. Work could begin as early as summer 2027 and is expected to be phased through 2036.
What Does the $555M Funding Cover?
The program builds out frontage roads along I-35W from south of FM 1171 to north of John Paine Road/Allred Road, just south of Denton, and constructs full interchanges at FM 1171, Denton Creek Drive, FM 407, Old Justin Road, Robson Ranch Road/Crawford Road, and John Paine Road/Allred Road.
The improvements are expected to be delivered in phases over the next decade. Construction could begin as early as summer 2027, and TxDOT currently anticipates completion of the funded corridor improvements by 2036. Individual construction dates remain subject to design, utility relocation, contracting and other project-scheduling factors. Denton County also committed approximately $20 million toward utility relocations associated with the improvements.
The funding is the result of collaboration between Denton County, the Texas Department of Transportation, and the Regional Transportation Council, with the shared goal of enhancing public safety and improving traffic flow along the corridor. The allocation supports a phased program of corridor improvements rather than one single immediate project.
"We are eager to see how these much-needed improvements will become a reality."
Recent Lane Work at FM 407 and I-35W
While the frontage roads and interchanges are a longer-term project, two rounds of lane changes have already been completed at the FM 407 and I-35W intersection. Recent lane or bridge-area work at the intersection took place in late July, and Denton County completed the restriping project at FM 407 and I-35W on September 17, 2026.
Denton County completed additional lane-striping changes beneath I-35W on September 17. Westbound FM 407 drivers approaching from Argyle may now continue straight or turn right from the right lane. After passing beneath the interstate, through drivers must merge left because the right lane becomes a right-turn-only lane into the Tom Thumb development.
County officials said the revised lane configuration is intended to improve traffic flow and provide incremental relief at the intersection. No measured travel-time results were reported in the cited coverage.
What It Means for Harvest, Pecan Square, and Northlake Commuters
Because Harvest and Pecan Square residents commonly access the regional road network through FM 407, FM 1171 and I-35W, these communities could benefit from the planned corridor improvements. However, TxDOT and Denton County have not announced community-specific travel-time reductions, and actual effects will depend on project phasing, construction conditions and future traffic growth.
I want to be clear about what this announcement does and does not promise. No specific completion dates or travel-time savings have been announced, and no road project guarantees property-value outcomes. What the funding does is confirm that the region is treating I-35W capacity as a priority, and that communities like Harvest, Pecan Square, and Northlake are being planned around a corridor that is expected to grow with them.
Verified October 8, 2026: the FM 407 and I-35W interchange's current configuration remains operational, with the additional lane-striping change Denton County completed on September 17, 2026 in place, and the larger FM 407 six-lane breakout on the Northlake schedule for potential construction between spring and summer 2027. Related corridor planning includes the FM 1171 extension west from Northlake toward Justin (planned) and US 377 widening on the Flower Mound-to-Argyle corridor (still in design, with a $4.9 million federal grant reported in April 2026). See the FM 407 update and the Argyle vs Northlake comparison for the corridor detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much funding was approved for I-35W in Denton County?
The 2027 Texas Unified Transportation Program includes approximately $555.4 million in new funding for improvements to the I-35W corridor in Denton County. The program was adopted by the Texas Transportation Commission on August 26, 2026, and Denton County announced the allocation on September 18, 2026.
Which section of I-35W will be improved?
The funded improvements extend from south of FM 1171 to north of John Paine Road/Allred Road in Denton County, including frontage roads and full interchanges along I-35W.
Which interchanges are included?
The planned full interchanges are at FM 1171, Denton Creek Drive, FM 407, Old Justin Road, Robson Ranch Road/Crawford Road, and John Paine Road/Allred Road.
When could I-35W construction begin?
Construction could begin as early as summer 2027. Individual construction dates remain subject to design, utility relocation, contracting and other project-scheduling factors.
When are the improvements expected to be completed?
TxDOT currently anticipates completion of the funded corridor improvements by 2036, with the work delivered in phases over the next decade.
What changed at FM 407 and I-35W?
Denton County completed lane-striping changes beneath I-35W on September 17. Westbound FM 407 drivers approaching from Argyle may now continue straight or turn right from the right lane. After passing beneath the interstate, through drivers must merge left because the right lane becomes a right-turn-only lane into the Tom Thumb development. County officials said the revised lane configuration is intended to improve traffic flow and provide incremental relief at the intersection. No measured travel-time results were reported in the cited coverage.
Could the project affect Harvest and Pecan Square commuters?
Because Harvest and Pecan Square residents commonly access the regional road network through FM 407, FM 1171 and I-35W, these communities could benefit from the planned corridor improvements. However, TxDOT and Denton County have not announced community-specific travel-time reductions, and actual effects will depend on project phasing, construction conditions and future traffic growth.
News Sources
This article is based on the following local news reports, published September 18, 2026:
- Cross Timbers Gazette report on the $555.4 million allocation: Denton County lands $555 million in funding for I-35W frontage roads, interchanges
- WBAP/KLIF coverage of the I-35W funding: KLIF News: I-35W funding report
- Cross Timbers Gazette report on the September 17 FM 407 restriping: Denton County hopes to increase traffic flow by remarking FM 407 under I-35W
Official source: TxDOT: August 2026 Texas Transportation Commission recap. TxDOT's August 2026 commission recap confirming approval of the final 2027 Unified Transportation Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2036.
The funding amount, the August 26 adoption date, and the September 18 announcement date are verified facts reported by the sources above. Construction timing, phasing, and completion dates are TxDOT and Denton County expectations and remain proposed and subject to design, utility, contracting and traffic conditions. This article includes no firsthand observations of the funded projects; lanes at FM 407 were restriped as described by the cited county coverage.
Last reviewed: October 19, 2026. Road-project scopes, funding allocations, and schedules are subject to change. Verify current project status with Denton County, TxDOT, and the Regional Transportation Council before planning around any timeline.
Next Steps for Buyers and Sellers
If you are weighing a move along this corridor, start with what the 407 corridor means for your commute, since the FM 407 work touches this same intersection. Then read how the roadwork affects the home-buying process, and keep an eye on new construction along the corridor as new phases come online.
Whenever you would like to talk through commute times, corridor timing, or which community fits your family, book a free consultation and we can look at the maps together.
Moving to Harvest, Pecan Square, or Northlake?
If you are comparing new-construction communities or resale homes in Harvest, Pecan Square, or Northlake, I would welcome the chance to help you evaluate how transportation, schools, and total ownership costs come together. The North Texas Relocation Guide covers how buying, schools and ownership costs compare across communities, and I can apply that framework to your move. Schedule a consultation or call 940-240-3800, and we will map out your next move with a clear strategy.
Theresa De La Rosa
Broker, REALTOR®
Covenant Heritage Realty, LLC | In DFW Living Group
Disclaimer
Transportation project scopes, funding allocations, construction schedules, and completion dates are subject to change. No specific completion dates, travel-time savings, or property-value outcomes are guaranteed by this article. Buyers should independently verify current transportation, development, school, tax, HOA, and property information before making a purchase decision.
About Theresa De La Rosa. Theresa De La Rosa, MBA, is the Broker and founder of Covenant Heritage Realty, LLC and leader of In DFW Living Group. With 18+ years of experience, she provides relocation, new-construction and home-selling guidance throughout Northlake, Argyle, Justin and surrounding Denton County communities.