Transportation officials are advising motorists to use Highway 77 as an alternative route this weekend due to planned closures on southbound Interstate 35. The temporary detour comes as part of ongoing roadwork that will affect traffic flow in the area.
The closure affects only the southbound lanes of I-35, with northbound traffic expected to continue normally throughout the weekend. Officials have not specified the exact timing of when regular traffic patterns will resume, though the detour is currently only planned for this weekend.
What Drivers Should Know
Commuters and travelers planning to head southbound on I-35 during the weekend should prepare for the following:
- Highway 77 will serve as the official detour route
- Expect increased traffic volume on Highway 77 throughout the weekend
- Southbound I-35 will be completely closed in the affected areas
The transportation department has not detailed the specific reason for the closure, though routine maintenance and scheduled construction work are the most likely causes. These types of weekend closures are typically scheduled during lower-traffic periods to minimize disruption to weekday commuters.
Impact on Weekend Travel
The timing of the closure could affect weekend travelers, particularly those heading to recreational destinations or events south of the closure point. Drivers unfamiliar with Highway 77 should allow extra travel time and consider checking traffic conditions before departing.
Local businesses along Highway 77 may experience increased customer traffic during the detour period, while those located along the closed section of I-35 could see temporary decreases in visitor numbers.
GPS and navigation apps are expected to automatically route drivers to Highway 77, but transportation officials still recommend that motorists familiarize themselves with the detour route before traveling.
Planning Ahead
Traffic engineers recommend that drivers plan their trips accordingly and consider the following options:
Those with flexible schedules might choose to delay non-essential travel until after the weekend when normal traffic patterns resume. Travelers with fixed plans should budget extra time for their journeys, particularly during peak travel hours.
Commercial vehicles and trucks are also directed to use the Highway 77 detour, which may result in slower traffic flow in certain sections of the alternate route.
The transportation department has not announced any additional closures beyond this weekend, suggesting that regular traffic patterns on I-35 southbound should resume by early next week. Drivers are encouraged to check official traffic information sources for updates before traveling.
