Interstate 35Edit
Interstate 35 (I-35) is one of the nation’s backbone corridors, running roughly north to south from the U.S.–Mexico border to the Canadian border. It ties together a long arc of commerce, work, and travel—from border crossings in the south through major metropolitan economies to rural communities and agricultural regions in between. As a primary freight and mobility artery, I-35 has shaped the growth patterns of several states and continues to drive economic activity, job creation, and regional connectivity across much of the central United States. Along its length, it links Laredo, Texas at the southern border to communities in Minnesota near the Twin Cities before reaching the Canadian border. Along the way, it serves major metros such as Dallas, Texas, Fort Worth, Texas, Austin, Texas, San Antonio, Texas, and stretches through parts of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, and Minnesota.
Route description
I-35 is the principal north–south spine through multiple regions, and it is notably split in some urban centers, reflecting the scale and density of growth along the corridor.
Southern segment in Texas: The highway passes through or near several large cities, including San Antonio, Texas and Austin, Texas, before entering the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. In the Dallas area, I-35 splits into I-35E and I-35W to route traffic around the city’s core before rejoining to continue northward. The corridor here carries a heavy mix of long-haul freight and commuter traffic, underscoring the area’s role as a manufacturing, logistics, and service hub. The Texas portion also interacts with border-related trade corridors that funnel goods toward the Port of Laredo and other crossing points.
Midwestern segment: After crossing into the central plains, I-35 moves through portions of Oklahoma and Kansas, serving regional economies, agricultural regions, and interstate commercial activity. In these states the route supports agriculture, energy, and manufacturing sectors while providing a crucial link for travelers and truckers moving goods toward the northern markets.
Northern segment and beyond: As I-35 proceeds into the Midwest, it enters Missouri and then Iowa, linking to Des Moines and other population centers that rely on the highway for access to markets, employment centers, and intermodal facilities. Further north, the highway approaches the Twin Cities region, where it continues toward the north-country markets in Minnesota and ultimately toward the border at the northern terminus.
Northern terminus and continuation: The northern reach of I-35 ends at the Canadian border in Minnesota, forming a conduit for cross-border trade with Canadian markets. The routing continues into Canada as a regional highway network, maintaining a seamless logistical thread from the border to inland hubs.
For a broader sense of the highway’s geography and connections, see the related pages on the Interstate Highway System and the specific connectors like I-35W and I-35E in the bloodstream of the Dallas–Fort Worth and Twin Cities regions.
History and development
I-35’s roots trace to the mid-20th century, part of the broader national effort to create a comprehensive interstate system to improve mobility, national defense, and economic efficiency. The corridor was selected for its role in linking border trade with central states, urban centers, and agricultural regions. Over the decades, the route has seen multiple phases of construction, widening, and modernization to accommodate growing traffic volumes, commercial freight, and safety demands.
The I-35W Mississippi River bridge collapse in Minneapolis on August 1, 2007, was a watershed moment for infrastructure policy and maintenance. The tragedy highlighted the consequences of aging critical corridors and spurred wide-ranging investments in bridge repair, replacement, and safety standards, as well as more rigorous inspection schedules and funding strategies. That event, along with subsequent safety reviews, helped shape how the nation approaches major transportation projects, balancing speed, cost, and reliability.
In sections of the corridor, expansion projects have utilized tolled facilities or public–private partnerships to accelerate construction and deliver modern traffic management tools. These approaches reflect ongoing debates about how best to fund maintenance and capacity improvements—whether through general taxes, user fees, or a mix of public and private investment—while aiming to minimize disruption to existing communities and preserve access for workers, families, and small businesses.
Economic and strategic significance
I-35 functions as a critical artery for freight moving between the border with Mexico and the upper Midwest, connecting export hubs, manufacturing centers, distribution networks, and consumer markets. The corridor supports job creation in trucking, warehousing, logistics, and related services, while also enabling regional tourism, commuting, and mobility for residents.
Cross-border trade: The southern portion of I-35 sits near major Mexican border crossings and serves as a gateway for goods entering the United States. Trade along this corridor helps sustain a broad supply chain that benefits manufacturers, retailers, and consumers on both sides of the border.
Regional development: In metropolitan areas, I-35 acts as a framework for urban growth, employment access, and suburban expansion. It assists in moving people efficiently to work centers, universities, hospitals, and cultural amenities while supporting the movement of goods to and from regional economic bases.
Safety, resilience, and efficiency: Ongoing upgrades—such as widening, interchange redesigns, and improved traffic management systems—aim to reduce congestion, cut travel times, and increase safety for motorists and commercial vehicles alike. This is particularly important given the mix of long-haul freight and local traffic that travels the corridor daily.
Controversies and debates
As with any major highway, I-35 has sparked discussion and debate among policymakers, communities, and stakeholders. A pro-infrastructure stance emphasizes continued investment in capacity, safety, and reliability, arguing that a modern, well-maintained highway system lowers costs for businesses and improves everyday life for workers and families.
Tolling and user fees: Some expansion projects employ toll facilities or public–private partnerships to accelerate construction and manage congestion. Proponents argue user fees tie funding to those who directly benefit, while opponents worry about the long-term cost to commuters and the potential burden on lower-income travelers. The pragmatic view is that reliable funding streams are essential to maintain and expand critical corridors without overreliance on general taxes.
Eminent domain and land use: Large highway projects can require land acquisitions and property changes, prompting concerns from property owners and local communities. A rights-respecting approach seeks fair compensation, transparent processes, and thoughtful mitigation. Supporters contend that the public benefits of enhanced mobility and safety justify reasonable adjustments, provided that legitimate property rights are respected.
Environmental and community impact: Critics sometimes focus on environmental justice or local disruption, arguing that highway projects can divide neighborhoods or impose noise, air quality, and quality-of-life costs on nearby residents. A practical counterpoint emphasizes modern mitigation measures, route optimization, and technology that reduces emissions and improves safety, while acknowledging legitimate concerns and seeking to minimize adverse effects.
Border and immigration policy context: The I-35 corridor intersects with national debates on immigration, border security, and trade. From a corridor perspective, the highway’s vitality depends on a stable policy framework that preserves lawful movement of goods and people while supporting lawful border operations and the communities that rely on cross-border commerce. The focus is on keeping the transportation network functioning efficiently and predictably for business and travelers, within the bounds of lawful policy.