Traffic Alert: Stretch Of I-30 In Arlington To Be Closed Both Ways This Weekend
ARLINGTON, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - A section of I-30 in Arlington, between Collins Street and President George Bush Turnpike, is now shut down through the weekend for construction of the new 360 interchange.
"This is absolutely a significant closure," said Val Lopez with TxDOT.
Crews are tearing down the old 360 bridge over I-30.
"And for the sake of safety, you can't have a major demolition like that over live traffic," Lopez said. "So we're having to divert people on a pretty serious detour."
The closure is set to last from Friday night at 7 p.m. to Monday morning at 5 a.m. That stretch of the interstate includes some very prominent businesses in the region.
"We've worked very closely with all the venues there - the ballpark, the football stadium, the Six Flags facilities, all of them - to make sure we minimize our impact to them," said Lopez.
Smaller businesses, like Grab N Go in Lamar, hope the increase in traffic on nearby side streets could actually boost sales.
"After shutting down, I don't think the business will go slow," said employee Khalid Hakeem. "I don't think so, but it depends."
TxDOT is urging drivers to avoid the area altogether this weekend, but if you have to be out expect major delays along the detour route.
"I have to take an alternative route, so it will take a little longer," said George Roberts, who lives in Arlington.
TxDOT says the pain of construction will be worth it and ultimately benefit the entire region.
"After we're done with this project, you're going to see a direct connected modern interchange, much like you see in Dallas or in Fort Worth," Lopez said. "It will be completely and totally modernized."
TxDOT will likely have to shut down I-30 another two to four times to get this project done.
Right now, there's no set date as to when the new 360 interchange will be completely open.