The Texas Department of Transportation is roughly halfway through a five-year, $583 million project to rebuild and widen the I-35E/I-35W interchange in Denton and reconstruct nearly 5 miles of surrounding frontage roads, according to an Aug. 28 Denton staff report.

The details: The project aims to address congestion and enhance safety, a TxDOT project fact sheet states.

“Once complete, the widened interstate, improved frontage roads and enhanced ramps at key interchanges will improve mobility and safety for local commuters, University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University students, freight movement and regional travelers passing through Denton,” TxDOT Public Information Officer Tila Grant said in an email.

Zooming in: The project spans 4.8 miles from North Texas Boulevard to US 77 north of Denton. It will reconstruct the interchange and existing frontage roads while widening the corridor to a six- to eight-lane rural freeway with ramp modifications, the report states. TxDOT's project fact sheet shows the work includes a new direct connector from northbound I-35E to southbound I-35W, a braided ramp structure near US 380 and a flyover exit ramp bridge from northbound I-35W to Oak Street.

The designated Halloween Capital of Texas has an official merchandise headquarters.

The details: Denton Halloween HQ is now open inside the former Discover Denton Visitor Center on the square at 111 W. Hickory St. The initiative is a collaboration between the city and Denton Halloween Co, which helps produce and organize the month-long 31 Days of Denton Halloween festival.

According to a city Facebook post, the headquarters is an all-in-one stop where guests can buy Denton Halloween merchandise, such as T-shirts and mugs, and inquire about Denton Halloween events.

Guests are encouraged to come in and ask for directions and inquire about Halloween events. It also serves as Denton’s Ghostbusters Headquarters, home of The North Texas Ghostbusters during the Halloween season.

Smithers Smokehouse opened at the end of September and is serving craft Texas barbecue.

The gist: Smithers Smokehouse offers meats by the pound, sandwiches, plates, nachos and sides, according to its website. 

Meat options include chopped brisket, pulled pork, St. Louis-style ribs, beef ribs, turkey and burnt ends. Sides include mac and cheese, cole slaw, seasoned fries, fried okra and tater tots. 

The restaurant was started by Cody Smithers, who said the space also has an outdoor bar and patio that are dog friendly.

• 300 Hickory St., Denton

Check out updates on five upcoming and ongoing transportation projects around Dallas-Fort Worth.

Upcoming projects

1. Silverado Trail lane expansion

Project: Silverado Trail’s westbound lanes will be constructed between Kenley Drive and Burnett Drive in McKinney, including a bridge over Rowlett Creek. The project includes relocation of an existing North Texas Municipal Water District sanitary sewer line.

Update: Design is 90% complete. The project is expected to bid in early 2027.

• Timeline: spring 2027–spring 2028

• Cost: $5.7 million

• Funding source: city of McKinney

2. Greenville Avenue reconstruction

Project: Work will feature a full concrete reconstruction of Greenville Avenue in Richardson from Centennial Boulevard to Huffhines Street. Also included will be sewer and water main improvements.

Update: Design for the project is around 60% complete, according to the city’s capital project tracker.

• Timeline: fall 2027-spring 2029

• Cost: $13.9 million

• Funding source: city of Richardson