$74 million in transportation enhancements approved
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The $67 million in enhancement funds is part of an overall $2.2 billion set aside from the ARRA for Texas transportation projects. Among the enhancement projects are hike and bike trails, visitor centers, beautification and restoration projects, etc. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) describes the projects as ones that “improve the transportation experience in and through local communities.”
Regarding the DFW Connector, the award went to NorthGate Constructors, a design/build team led by Kiewit Construction L.P. of Fort Worth and Zachry Construction Corp. in San Antonio. Other Texas and American firms will also participate. The project will be paid for with $667 million in public funds and $250 million in ARRA funds. The design/build contract will be executed soon.
Construction is expected to begin in 2010 and should take approximately five years. TxDOT officials say the DFW Connector could eventually double the existing capacity and improve mobility on seven highways, six interchanges and 10 bridges. SH 114 will be widened to as many as 14 main lanes with up to four additional toll-managed lanes and up to seven frontage road lanes.
Additionally, the TTC granted Alamo Regional Mobility Authority the authority to use state right of way to construct an interchange at Loop 1604 and U.S. 281. The Central Texas Regional Mobility Authority and NTTA were granted similar authority for their plans to construct direct connector ramps at U.S. 290 and U.S. 183 in Travis County and at the I-20/SH 121 interchange in Tarrant County, respectively. Funding from the federal economic stimulus bill was approved for these projects earlier this month.
