Travelers across North Texas should prepare for significant traffic delays this weekend as westbound IH-30 in Arlington will be shut down for bridge repairs

ARLINGTON, Texas — Travelers across North Texas should prepare for significant traffic delays this weekend as a portion of westbound Interstate 30 in Arlington will be shut down for bridge repairs. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced that the closure will begin at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19, and continue through 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 22, weather permitting.

Crews will be working on the Randol Mill Road bridge, replacing beams damaged in June when a tractor-trailer struck the structure. Officials say the repair is critical to restoring a safe and vital community connection. The work requires a complete closure of westbound IH-30 between Fielder Road and Eastchase Parkway.

During the closure, all westbound IH-30 traffic will be diverted at Fielder Road. Motorists will follow a signed detour north along State Highway 360, west on State Highway 183, and then south on Interstate 820 before reconnecting with IH-30.


TxDOT advises drivers to allow extra travel time and use caution in the detour zones. Local traffic may experience additional congestion as drivers seek alternate routes through side streets.

The closure comes during one of Arlington’s busiest weekends, making the disruption especially significant:

College Football Clash: Thousands of fans will be traveling from Dallas to Fort Worth for the TCU vs. SMU rivalry game, and many will typically rely on IH-30. The closure makes planning even more important for Horned Frog and Mustang fans.Texas Rangers at home: The Rangers are hosting games at Globe Life Field, drawing heavy crowds to the Arlington Entertainment District.Fright Fest at Six Flags: Halloween festivities at Six Flags Over Texas will add yet another layer of traffic near IH-30.

With three major attractions overlapping, drivers should brace for heavy congestion throughout the weekend, especially during peak pre- and post-event travel times.


Alternate Routes for Fans

For TCU vs. SMU Fans (Dallas to Fort Worth):

Instead of using IH-30 through Arlington, drivers coming from Dallas may find it faster to take I-20 westbound into Fort Worth.Another option is to use SH 183 westbound from Dallas into Fort Worth, bypassing the IH-30 closure entirely.

For Rangers Fans Heading to Globe Life Field:

From the north (Grapevine, Irving, DFW Airport): Use SH 360 southbound, then exit for Lamar Boulevard or Randol Mill Road to reach stadium parking.From the south (Mansfield, Grand Prairie): Use IH-20 westbound, then head north on SH 360 into Arlington.From Dallas: Consider taking IH-20 west to SH 360 north, instead of cutting across IH-30.

To minimize delays, TxDOT recommends:

Planning ahead: Check travel apps or highway message boards for updates before heading out.Leaving early: Build in extra time if you’re attending the game, the Rangers series, or Fright Fest.Considering alternate routes: IH-20, SH 121, U.S. 287, and SH 183 are all viable substitutes depending on your destination.Staying patient: Detours and game-day traffic will create slowdowns no matter which route you take.

While closures like this are inconvenient, TxDOT stresses that these repairs are necessary for long-term safety. The Randol Mill Road bridge is a critical connector in Arlington, and replacing its damaged beams ensures the structure remains safe for daily commuters and heavy traffic loads.

By completing the work over one concentrated weekend, TxDOT aims to minimize disruptions compared to spreading out closures over multiple weeks.