Gridlock on the way at Spur 280 near downtown Fort Worth

February 18,2015

More Interstate 35W gridlock is on the way this weekend, this time at Spur 280 near downtown Fort Worth.

Motorists can expect I-35W to be reduced to just one lane in each direction at Spur 280, one of the main entrances to downtown from the north, south and east. That stretch of I-35W normally has three lanes in each direction.

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The lane reduction is scheduled for 9 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday, and 9 p.m. Saturday to noon Sunday.

The closure is needed so crews can demolish a portion of Spur 280, which connects downtown streets to I-30, I-35W and U.S. 287. The demolition is part of a $1.4 billion makeover of I-35W that is expected to continue through 2018.

Although much of the headache associated with the lane closures will be on I-35W itself, getting in and out of downtown Fort Worth also will be a bit more of a challenge for motorists this weekend.

“The right lane of eastbound Spur 280 will also be closed both nights,” project spokesman Matt Johns said in an email.

Also, connector ramps from southbound I-35W to both directions of I-30 will be closed from 9 p.m. Friday to noon Sunday, officials said.

Traffic will be redirected to Rosedale Street, but motorists can expect their trips to be delayed by several minutes.

Motorists may wish to seek alternate routes and avoid the area altogether.

As usual, the scheduled closures are subject to weather limitations, and could also be completed ahead of schedule. For the latest news, drivers may wish to visit Northtarrantexpress.com.

The website is operated by North Tarrant Express 35W, a consortium of companies rebuilding the corridor with modernized main lanes, ramps and frontage roads and two new toll lanes in each direction.

The website includes alternate route maps to help guide motorists through particularly prickly work zones.

Gordon Dickson, 817-390-7796

Twitter: @gdickson