After three years of construction, the President George Bush Turnpike Eastern Extension opened Dec. 21, giving motorists a quick, nonstop drive from the State Highway 78 to Interstate 30 and all points in between. The Eastern Extension stretches the NTTA’s network of roadways farther east into the Metroplex than ever before and delivers to drivers an alternative route to I-635.
The Eastern Extension will provide direct connecting ramps to the I-30 main lanes. Access to the I-30 frontage roads is expected to occur in February 2012.
“The NTTA is committed to improving mobility throughout the North Texas region,” said NTTA Interim Executive Director of Project Delivery Elizabeth Mow. “Opening the Eastern Extension on-time and on-budget is an example of our dedication to enhancing the driving experience for our customers.”
The 9.9-mile extension is a portion of the outer loop around Dallas and its suburbs. The corridor extends through the cities of Garland, Sachse and Rowlett. Initially planned in 1957, it is part of the Loop 9/State Highway 190 corridor. Construction on the $958 million project began in August 2008, and the project was completed on time.
In addition to providing a quicker commute, the Eastern Extension is expected to relieve congestion on local roads. Through partnerships with the Texas Department of Transportation, Dallas County and the cities of Dallas, Garland, Rowlett and Sachse, the additional toll road lanes offer a viable alternative for motorists in the eastern part of the Metroplex. TxDOT constructed the section from the north shore of Lake Ray Hubbard to the I-30 connections, including a bridge over the lake.
The corridor consists of three main lanes in each direction, one main lane gantry and six sets of ramp gantries. The average toll for driving on the Eastern Extension is 15.3 cents per mile for vehicles with a TollTag. ZipCash rates are 50 percent more than TollTag rates. Additional information regarding toll rates and gantry locations is available on the NTTA website, www.ntta.org/AboutUs/TollRates.
Visit www.ntta.org or call 214-461-2000 for additional information about other NTTA projects. For customer service, please call 972-818-NTTA (6882).