North Texans know traffic in downtown Dallas is no easy feat. It will take almost one billion dollars to help clear one of Dallas’ most congested roads, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

The I-30 Canyon Project started earlier this year with a groundbreaking on March 5 in hopes that completed construction will increase traffic flow and safety in the area. 

Here’s what we know so far.

What is the I-30 Canyon Project?

The Canyon Project, along a 2.3-mile stretch of Interstate 30 between Interstate 35E and Interstate 45 interchanges, focuses on widening and reconstructing the corridor. Six additional main lanes will be added, resulting in 12 total main lanes on I-30. 

TxDOT said the project will improve weave lengths, or distance required for safe merging, on the interstate ramps.

“Under existing conditions, the weaving nature created by the present [main] lanes in the I-30 Canyon account for 40% of eastbound and 44% of westbound crashes,” said TxDOT in their I-30 Canyon application. 

The transportation authority said almost half of the accidents were rear-end crashes caused by increased congestion. The improvement project is expected to address and amend major road concerns such as congestion and traffic accidents.

Considered to be a multimodal project, the improvements made will benefit more than just motorists. The project will also widen bridges over the interstate to accommodate construction of a parallel road that includes bike lanes. A four-track rail bridge serving both passenger and freight trains will be replaced. 

“This will result in increased use and could accommodate future rail service into Dallas,” TxDOT said. 

How much does the I-30 project cost?

Part of the Texas Clear Lanes initiative, which hopes to improve congestion on major roadways, the I-30 Canyon Project costs about $888 million dollars. 

Funding consists of several state and federal sources. Some of the state funding sources include fuel tax, registration fees, oil and gas severance tax under Proposition 1, general sales and use tax, motor vehicles sales and rental tax under Proposition 7. 

When will the construction be finished?

 The project is expected to be completed within five years, or by 2031. 

Severe weather delays have already postponed the project several times, including the groundbreaking ceremony. TxDOT officials believe the timeline will remain on track but urge motorists to “plan ahead for extra travel time or seek alternate routes” when traveling on I-30. 

 Construction on roads began in the last week of January. A dozen bridges have been torn down to make room for construction, but according to a 2025 Q4 update, construction is 0% complete.