Construction Moving Full Speed Ahead on the President George Bush Turnpike Western Extension (SH 161)

Project crews continue to make progress toward the 2012 construction completion date on Phase 4 of the President George Bush Turnpike Western Extension (PGBT WE (SH 161)).

The final segment of the project extends from Interstate 30 to Interstate 20, providing continual main lanes and two major interchanges. This new corridor will provide another critical roadway to area destinations including the Rangers Ballpark, Six Flags and Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Verizon Theater in Grand Prairie and also offers an alternative route to SH 360.

In August, crews set up the cement batch plant and the project field office sites. In addition, crews concentrated much of their work around I-30, including excavation operations, drilling direct-connector shafts and demolishing a gas station. Workers also installed a construction barrier along I-30, conducted survey work and installed advance warning signs.

Crews are also expanding their excavation activities toward the south and beginning installation of the temporary tracks, or “shoo fly” work (the installation of temporary tracks to go around an area of construction), at the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR).  As a result, the West 14th Street UPRR crossing in Grand Prairie will close permanently beginning Aug. 23. The purpose of the closure is to facilitate the construction of the new crossings at the north- and southbound SH 161 frontage roads as well as the new Main, Jefferson and UPRR bridges that extend over the President George Bush Turnpike Western Extension main lanes.

To sign up for the PGBT WE Construction & Traffic report or the monthly electronic PGBT WE Corridor Progress Report, go to www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/projects.htm and add your e-mail address to the distribution list.

A list of scheduled lane and ramp closures is also available in a link on the front page of the NTTA’s website.