SH 121/SH 360 on-ramps1. SH 121/SH 360 on-ramps

On Nov. 12, NorthGate Constructors opened two new ramps connecting southbound William D. Tate Avenue to southbound SH 121 and southbound SH 360 in Grapevine. The new ramps opened more than one year ahead of schedule, as they were set to be complete in January 2017.

Reconstruction of the SH 121/SH 360 interchange was included in the scope of the DFW Connector project, but initially only $1 billion in funds were available. For this reason, certain elements of the project, including construction of the on-ramps, were removed from the contract.

In 2014, funds became available for construction of the new ramps in this area. These new ramps will provide better access to SH 121 and SH 360 and allow drivers to bypass the Stone Myers Parkway intersection. Project officials said Grapevine residents will also experience reduced congestion and improved safety in the area.

Timeline: February-November Cost: $17 million Funding sources: Texas Department of Transportation

2. FM 2499

FM 2499Dirt, wall and paving work is taking place on the new, lowered FM 2499 main lanes from Grapevine Mills Boulevard to Denton Creek. North of Denton Creek, crews will begin paving on the new FM 2499, lowered main lanes.

Before the end of the year, crews will place the concrete deck on the southbound FM 2499 bridge over Denton Creek. The FM 2499 construction includes rebuilding the main lanes of FM 2499 from SH 121 to Denton Creek.

Timeline: August 2013-January 2017 Cost: $93 million Funding sources: TxDOT, federal grant funds

3. SH 121

SH 121The effort to expand SH 121 to 10 lanes from Grapevine to Lewisville is still underway with work being done on three bridges. The northbound- to-southbound U-turn opened in October at Denton Creek. It can only be accessed by Coppell Road. Permanent traffic signal poles are being installed, which will be functioning when the northbound traffic is switched at Freeport Parkway.

High mast lighting is being wired and should receive power by November or December.

Timeline: March 2014-September 2017 Cost: $58.8 million Funding sources: TxDOT, The North Central Texas Council of Governments, federal funds