WACO (August 14, 2012)--The I-35 southbound frontage road from the MLK, Jr. Boulevard entrance ramp to the Brazos River will be closed for six months beginning Wednesday while the north-side turnaround under I-35 will be permanently closed to through traffic.

The closures are needed while drainage, retaining walls and pavement are constructed in the area, a TxDOT spokesperson said.

Traffic headed south from MLK will be required to enter the southbound I-35 mainlanes, with the option of turning around at University Parks or South 5th Street on the south side of the river.

Buzzard Billy's patrons will be directed to a new, temporary two-way connector road that begins at MLK on the east side of I-35.

Buzzard Billy's patrons will be the only motorists allowed on the road.

Signs will be in place to detour and direct drivers.