NTTA Approves Toll Rate Increase Effective Sept. 1
To maintain a financially viable system and the delivery of regional transportation projects during turbulent economic times, the North Texas Tollway Authority’s (NTTA) Board of Directors voted 8-1 to adjust its toll policy to mirror the Regional Transportation Council’s toll policy. The changes include a rate increase of three-and-a-half cents per mile on the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) and President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) and the adoption of a more equitable distance-based tolling structure. The new toll policy also establishes a 50 percent price differential that motorists without a TollTag will pay. Adjustments to the tolling policy go into effect on Sept. 1 – three months ahead of a scheduled, previously announced toll increase. more »
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NTTA Takes Action to Address Wrong-Way Drivers
In an attempt to further curtail the recent spate of wrong-way driver accidents on the Dallas North Tollway, the NTTA has fitted all exit ramps on the Dallas North Tollway with reflective buttons in the shape of arrows. When approaching from the correct direction, motorists will notice white buttons that point in the direction they are currently driving. However, if a driver is going the wrong way more »
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Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge to Open Aug. 1
Motorists will soon have the option to shorten their daily commute between Denton and Dallas when the North Texas Tollway Authority’s (NTTA) Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge (LLTB) opens to traffic Saturday, Aug. 1, creating an east west connection between Interstate Highway 35E and the Dallas North Tollway.
The bridge is scheduled to open to traffic on schedule on Saturday afternoon following the community-led “Run the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge” 5K run and family fun walk scheduled to begin at 8 and 10 a.m., respectively. more »
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Portion of Newest Phase of the Sam Rayburn Tollway to Open Sept. 1
Motorists traveling the Sam Rayburn Tollway (SRT) will have an additional 3.37 miles to travel on after a portion of the SRT’s third phase opens Sept. 1, 2009 – four months ahead of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)/Texas Department of Transportation project agreement schedule.
The portion that is slated more »
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All-ETC Conversion of Bush Turnpike Complete
On July 1, 2009, the NTTA converted the President George Bush Turnpike to an all-electronic toll collection facility. Overnight crews changed signage and closed toll booths along the entire corridor. Months of planning and advance communication with the public through meetings, radio advertisements, news releases and signage more »
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How ZipCash Works
Now that the President George Bush Turnpike has converted to all-electronic toll collection, customers with TollTags won’t notice much of a difference. But motorists without a TollTag, ZipCash customers, will have a new way to pay. Instead of stopping to pay cash, ZipCash customers should KEEP MOVING.
The ZipCash billing process is simple: invoices are mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle after a digital image of the vehicle’s license plate is captured at each toll plaza. Texas law requires that the owner of the vehicle is responsible for toll payments, which are accepted more »
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Ask the Experts: Your Car and Texas Heat
NTTA employees have a wealth of knowledge to share with customers and each other to help make life a little easier. This month, Roadway Customer Service Manager Bob Digman, who served 27 years with the Carrollton Police Department before joining the NTTA, shares tips on how to prepare your car or truck for relentless North Texas summer heat. more »
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Traffic Switch to Occur in September on U.S. 75 at Sam Rayburn Tollway
Traffic on northbound U.S. Highway (U.S.) 75 will shift onto the southbound side of the highway in the northern Allen, Fairview and southern McKinney area in September to accommodate construction of the Sam Rayburn Tollway/U.S. 75 interchange.
Ten days prior to the September traffic switch, the NTTA will set up electronic message signs to alert drivers. more »
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NTTA Awarded for Sustainability
The International Bridge, Tunnel and Turnpike Association (IBTTA) recognized the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) for its sustainability initiatives with the 2009 Toll Excellence Award in Social Responsibility.
“The NTTA is honored to be recognized for an initiative that combines safety and efficiency with long-term environmental accountability,” said NTTA Executive Director Allen Clemson. “Our sustainability initiatives more »
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Toll Equity Grant Receives
Preliminary Approval
In January 2009, the NTTA, City of Fort Worth, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) entered into a formal agreement outlining each of their respective responsibilities as it relates to Southwest Parkway (SWP) and UPRR Davidson Yard. As part of the formal agreement, the NTTA and City of Fort Worth agreed to pay approximately $95 million for right of way and other costs associated with the construction of Southwest Parkway across and adjacent to the UPRR Davidson Yard.
The Texas Transportation Commission more »
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NTTA Debuts New Project
Delivery Method
The NTTA is using the design-build delivery method for the development of State Highway (SH) 161 Phase 4, which marks the first time the Authority has used a project delivery method other than design-bid-build for any of its projects.
The design-build delivery method saves time by allowing construction to begin before design is complete. The method also establishes a single point of contact for quality, cost and schedule, which can lead to the reduction of costs.
The key to a successful design-build project, according to Elizabeth Mow, Director of Project Delivery, is the procurement process, which has been fine-tuned over time to maximize fairness and minimize the risk of legal challenges. more »
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Business Diversity Editorial:
Progress on our Roadways
 Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of columns from the NTTA Director of Business Diversity Anthony Coleman.
As the NTTA prepares to select a design-build firm for Phase 4 of the State Highway 161 project in western Dallas County, I began reflecting on how this construction project demonstrates the NTTA’s progress in the region – not just in new mobility solutions but in cultivating valuable diversity among our contractors.
I firmly believe that business diversity is not just about numbers and reaching quotas. And it’s not just about skin color or gender. The NTTA wants to align its diversity strategy with the industry’s best practices to bring a balance of expertise and viewpoints to its roadway projects. It’s about finding and using the best resources available to us and delivering the best more »
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NTTA Adopts Environmental
Policy Statement
The NTTA Board of Directors have adopted a revised Environmental Policy Statement aimed at supporting the NTTA’s goal of sustainability and demonstrating the NTTA’s proven commitment to the communities it serves.
“This policy statement establishes a standard for providing a safe, economically viable and environmentally sound transportation system that reliably meets customer needs and supports sustainable, vibrant community development,” said NTTA Director of Project Delivery Elizabeth Mow.
Upon its formation in 1997, the NTTA inherited the existing Environmental Policy of the Texas Turnpike Authority. Since then, the evolution of the transportation industry and environmental requirements associated with it has more »
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