Interstate35W

Interstate 35W (I-35W) is the designation used for two separate Interstate Highways that branch from Interstate 35 (I-35) in different parts of the United States. In both cases, the routes carry the I-35 designation locally while using the W (west) and E (east) suffixes to indicate parallel corridors that serve different urban areas.

In Minnesota, the split occurs in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area. I-35W runs along the western side of the metro, while I-35E runs along the eastern side. Each branch functions as a major commuter and freight corridor, connecting to suburban communities and other interstates. The Minnesota segments are maintained by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Together they contribute to the broader I-35 corridor, with the mainline continuing to serve as the north–south backbone beyond the metropolitan area.

In Texas, the split occurs in the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan region. I-35W traverses the western portion, including Fort Worth, and I-35E serves the eastern portion, including Dallas. The two branches provide access to different parts of the metroplex and connect with other major highways as they carry the I-35 designation along the broader corridor. These segments are maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

History and notes: The I-35W and I-35E designations date to the Interstate Highway era of the 1960s, created to address congestion and growth in large urban areas. The suffixes remain in use to distinguish parallel routes in both states. Each branch is a distinct highway with its own mileage and maintenance, yet both function as integral parts of the overall I-35 network.