Groundbreaking Ceremony marks start of I-20 Widening Project in Midland/Odessa

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I-20 Midland/Odessa ma | TxDOT

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) broke ground for the construction of the I-20 widening project in Midland/Odessa. This initiative, celebrated with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 13, aims to enhance connectivity and provide ease to the region's traffic congestion.

According to TxDOT, the $424 million project will bring improvements to the I-20 corridor in Midland/Odessa. The effort is a result of a corridor study initiated by the TxDOT Odessa District and the Permian Basin MPO (PBMPO) in 2016. The study focused on a 40-mile stretch of I-20 from west of FM 1936 to east of FM 1208, aiming to develop a detailed improvement plan.

Features of the project include:

  • Addition of Main Lanes: The entire corridor will see the addition of three through main lanes.

  • Interchanges and Ramps: New interchanges will be constructed, and existing ramps will be reconfigured to enhance traffic flow.

  • Frontage Roads: Conversion of frontage roads from two-way to one-way operation from Business (BI) 20 in Ector County to BI 20 in Midland County.

  • Enhanced Connectivity: Additional U-turns and cross-overs at interchanges will be introduced.

  • Improved Safety and Drainage: The project will focus on improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing drainage systems.

  • Design Standards: Updated design standards will be implemented throughout the corridor, including increased bridge clearance.

  • Minimal Right-of-Way Impact: The design aims to limit the need for additional right-of-way and to accommodate future growth.

On May 16, the I-20 frontage roads between JBS in Odessa and FM 1788 in Midland will be converted to one-way operation. Additionally, an extra lane will be added in both directions on the interior lanes to minimize construction impact and align with existing right-of-way.