SH 161 Phase 4 Design-Build Work Underway

The NTTA’s first design-build project is underway following the execution of two notices to proceed authorizing contractors to commence design and construction on Phase 4 of the State Highway (SH) 161 project. The notices were executed in late February after the NTTA Board of Directors approved a toll equity loan agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

In addition to design and construction on Phase 4, TxDOT’s Phase 3 is nearing completion and is anticipated to open in late spring 2010 – approximately eight months ahead of schedule. When construction is completed, drivers and businesses will notice some lane shifting as workers restripe the new roadway and perform final cleanup.  Once these tasks are complete, the roadway will be fully open to traffic and drivers will enjoy three all-electronic toll collection lanes in each direction, extending from Conflans Road to North Carrier Parkway.

Phase 4 of the $601.5 million SH 161 project includes construction of approximately 6.5 miles from North Carrier Parkway to Interstate Highway 20 (I-20) with two major interchanges at I-30 and I-20 and two main lanes in each direction. Additionally, there will be one main lane gantry and 10 ramp gantries scheduled for completion by October 2012. Phase 4 also includes construction on the Union Pacific Railroad underpass between Main and Jefferson streets in Grand Prairie.

Prairie Link Constructors of Dallas, the Phase 4 contractor, received its formal authorization to begin work on March 1, allowing design and construction to commence on the project.

Motorists can expect to see construction beginning around I-30 as well as Main and Jefferson streets around the April or May 2010 timeframe.  Drivers will not experience any impact to their current drive patterns until mid-summer.
 
When the new road opens to traffic, motorists will be able to reach their destinations quicker and safer by utilizing the much-needed reliever route to SH 360 in Tarrant County. The completion of the entire 11.5-mile SH 161 corridor will improve traffic flow and enhance economic development right through the center of the booming entertainment and sports in Arlington.

Commuters and businesses can sign up for a new report available via e-mail – the SH 161 Corridor Progress Report – that will provide construction updates. Simply go to www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/projects.htm to add an e-mail address to the distribution list. The most current progress report is also always available at www.ntta.org.