Construction Moves Forward as Eastern Extension Project Nears Half-way Point

The much anticipated President George Bush Turnpike Eastern Extension project is nearing the half-way point and is expected to open to traffic in approximately 18 months. The Eastern Extension is a portion of the outer loop around Dallas and its suburbs that connects Interstate 30 to the existing President George Bush Turnpike. It is part of the Loop 9/State Highway 190 corridor first envisioned in the 1960s.

The new six-lane toll road will extend the Bush Turnpike by nearly 10 miles. Divided into five sections, the NTTA is constructing four sections, while the Texas Department of Transportation is constructing the fifth section.

Preliminary work began in 2007 when TxDOT provided the NTTA a $160 million toll equity grant for right of way acquisition and utility costs. The grant represents a partnership among various agencies and a commitment to improve mobility for North Texas. Project partners include TxDOT, Dallas County and the cities of Dallas, Garland, Rowlett and Sachse.

The project is expected to open to traffic in fourth quarter 2011.

For more information about the Bush Turnpike Eastern Extension or other NTTA projects, visit www.ntta.org.