Freeway Changes

Dallas drivers gear up for downtown freeway changes

The Mixmaster in simpler times.

DFWfreeways.info

A big traffic switch-up in downtown Dallas goes down on Sunday, May 1. One ramp opens while another closes as part of the ongoing construction of the Dallas Horseshoe Project, designed to improve traffic flow through downtown.

The ramp opening is the one from southbound I-35E westbound I-30. It opens up on the right side of the main lanes. It replaces the old left exit to westbound I-30, which is permanently closed. That always seemed dumb that the I-30 exit off 35 was in the very far left lane.

This new ramp to westbound I-30 has two lanes of traffic. There's also a reopening of the Riverfront Boulevard on-ramp to westbound I-30.

These changes affect traffic leaving downtown Dallas headed west on I-30. Drivers can no longer use the on-ramp just west of Houston Street (along Elm Street at Dealey Plaza). Instead, they need to stay left toward Commerce Street and detour to Riverfront Boulevard to access the fancy new westbound I-30 Riverfront Boulevard on-ramp.

Traffic heading westbound I-30 in the Canyon area shifts to the right onto new pavement approaching the Mixmaster.

To make this happen, there are various lane closures along westbound I-30 and southbound I-35E in the Mixmaster over the weekend. Message boards and signs advise motorists of any associated closures and new traffic movements.

Monday's commute promises to be spectacular.

A video about this upcoming work is posted on the Dallas Horseshoe Project YouTube page.

Dubbed the "Horseshoe Project" due to its U shape, the project includes the expansion, repaving, and addition of several new bridges and roadways along interstates 30 and 35E, as well as the construction of a new signature bridge, the Margaret McDermott Bridge, over I-30.

The project started in April 2013 and is scheduled for completion in summer 2017.

If you're a dedicated traffic nut, you can stay up-to-date about traffic closures and changes by signing up for text alerts. Send the message "dallashorseshoe" to 31996.

transportation downtown

Flood Response

New relief fund launches for 2026 Texas Hill Country flood victims

People look out at flood on July 16, 2026 in Center Point, Texas

Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images

The same foundation that collected more than $60 million for the 2025 floods has launched a new fund for 2026.

Texans looking to support Hill Country neighbors affected by floods over the past few days can turn to the same organization they did for the July 2025 floods: The Community Foundation of the Hill Country has launched a new Texas Hill Country Flood Relief Fund that is accepting donations now.

The foundation emphasizes that the two funds are distinct (last year's was called the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund), so donors should note that their contributions will specifically go toward Hill Country residents affected by the current floods. The money raised will offer emergency assistance and long-term recovery support.

According to the Associated Press, nearly 1 trillion gallons of water fell on the three hardest-hit Texas counties over three days — enough to fill 1.5 million Olympic-sized swimming pools or supply 11 million homes for a year. First responders rushed to save people trapped in high waters Friday, as more heavy rain widened the danger from floods that have killed at least two people and left hundreds more in need of rescue.

Earlier in the week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster in 59 counties including Travis to help emergency services respond quickly.

Although many regional businesses, churches, and other groups organized donations for the 2025 floods, the Community Foundation was the main entity holding and distributing funds. The Kerr County Flood Relief Fund totaled more than $60 million by the end of that July.

"Our hearts break that the Texas Hill Country is once again facing catastrophic flooding. Just one year after the devastating July 2025 floods, many of our neighbors are again in harm's way," said Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country CEO Austin Dickson. "People from across Texas and around the world came together to help Kerr County begin the long road to recovery. As first responders and local and state officials continue their response efforts, the Community Foundation's role is to help ensure communities have the philanthropic resources they need to recover in the weeks, months and years ahead."