Dallas/Fort Worth drivers spent an average of two days stuck in traffic, ranking the area as the nation's fifth highest for traffic time, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Traffic jams and delays are common for commuters along I-820 and Hwys. 183/121 (Airport Freeway), a major connector in northeast Tarrant County.
A 13.5-mile project to nearly double capacity along the corridor, ease road congestion and improve traffic safety is expected to fix the area's reputation. Workers will upgrade existing general purpose lanes and make improvements to frontage lanes going in each direction. An addition of four new toll-managed lanes will be set at different toll rates depending on travel time and demand.
Construction for the project began in October 2010 and is scheduled to finish by 2015. The ramp from westbound Hwy. 183 to northbound Hwy. 121 was closed last spring for construction.
- Timeline: Anticipated completion in mid-2015.
- Cost: Construction - $2.5 billion; Operations/maintenance - $444 million
- Funding source:
- 1. Texas Department of Transportation/public funds ($573 million)
- 2. Equity from NTE Mobility Partners ($426 million)
- 3. Private activity bonds ($400 million)
- 4. Federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan ($650 million)
- 5. The NTE Mobility Partners will operate and maintain the project at a cost of $444 million over the next 52 years.
For more information, visit www.northtarrantexpress.com
