News
Print This Page « Send to a friend «
Subscribe
e-Subscribe to News updates
TxDOT's First Toll Roads Now Open to Travelers
The first, a six–mile segment of SH 121 in Denton County, opened to traffic in July. Additionally, other segments are planned, with 9.5 miles currently under construction and scheduled to open no later than summer of 2008.
In East Texas, motorists gained access to their new road—Loop 49 from US 69 and SH 155 south of Tyler—in late August. For now, however, both highways are toll free, with tolling set to begin later in the year.
These will be all–electronic toll roads, free of the traffic slowdowns caused by toll booths or the hassle of finding exact change. Instead, customers will drive under a structure containing electronic readers for the new TxTag® technology—a windshield-mounted sticker that contains account information. (Tags from the North Texas Tollway Authority or the Harris County Toll Road Authority will also work.) While a toll tag is not required—video billing is available—TxTag® customers will pay less.
Beyond the benefits of reduced congestion, improved air quality and expanded economic opportunities, both roads offer their respective regions a source of revenue for additional needed transportation projects. The state estimates that revenue from SH 121 will provide the $200 million needed to widen I–35E through Denton County, $80 million for the reconstruction of FM 423, and funds for other needed North Texas mobility projects. It is also worth noting that officials all along this route—including those from Denton County, Lewisville, Carrollton, Coppell, The Colony and McKinney—made this project a reality.
Meanwhile, revenue from the Tyler project could potentially finance the 32–mile loop south and west of Tyler, with completion possible by 2012, a marked acceleration from the 2033 date predicted under a more traditional funding scenario.
For more information, visit www.texas121.org, www.loop49.org and www.txtag.org.
