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Regional Boards => Mid-South => Topic started by: austrini on July 06, 2009, 04:12:16 PM

Title: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on July 06, 2009, 04:12:16 PM
This thread is a catch-all for DFW road projects, rather than having many topics for each individual news item.
Full Size Map:

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4858204687_82d7b27bb6_o.jpg (http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4115/4858204687_82d7b27bb6_o.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4115%2F4858204687_6037d43893_b.jpg&hash=ebf27bcf3179dfa58b5171c13f61176f135b7fe5)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on July 06, 2009, 04:15:37 PM
Woodall Rodgers Ext.

Spur 366, Woodall Rodgers Freeway, is being extended westward from its current terminus at IH 35E across the Trinity River to end at Beckley Avenue on the other side. Ghost ramps are being included for a future Trinity Parkway Interchange. The project includes a large bridge over the river ditch.

http://www.projectpegasus.org/wre.htm (http://www.projectpegasus.org/wre.htm)

The below image shows progress at the 35E/Spur 366 interchange in July, 2009. The pillars for the ramps are up, and now the decks are being constructed.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm4.static.flickr.com%2F3331%2F3666571454_fec5b26b51.jpg%3Fv%3D0&hash=a47713fdba4f9c0b76eee3f3ed0de3e852aadcba)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 26, 2009, 03:07:03 PM
the Lewiswille lake toll bridge will open on August 1
http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4280 (http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/4280)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 26, 2009, 03:26:59 PM
WHAT?! I'm gonna sue Rand McNally, it's not even on the 2010 large scale atlas  :eyebrow: The Dallas North Tollway also still ends on SH-121 in Plano, and not US 380 in Frisco like on Gmaps.

I just get the idea they just sell 2009 atlases with a new cover. I couldn't find any difference with my 2009 atlas yet.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 26, 2009, 03:28:29 PM
Anyway, here's a project overview:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi26.tinypic.com%2F2jep6cn.png&hash=1479f468da1670b82b7d7ad91a86e4e2865249df)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Alex on July 26, 2009, 03:44:37 PM
(//www.aaroads.com/forum_images/southwest/lewisville_lake.jpg)

And here is an aerial image of the bridge from 6 days ago (its the one in the middle part of the photograph).

Rand not showing the extension of the DNT still is pretty bad, that extension opened by October 2007.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on August 15, 2009, 01:17:45 PM
Another project on the pipeline, the "East Branch", an extension of the Bush turnpike to I-20 reffered as TX-190

Edit: sorry for a late editing but I forgotted to mention the urls
http://www.theeastbranch.org/ (http://www.theeastbranch.org/)
http://www.ntta.org/NR/rdonlyres/B03374E3-E588-4DBE-8FCA-CB282821CD20/0/CPR_EastBranch_AUG_09.pdf (http://www.ntta.org/NR/rdonlyres/B03374E3-E588-4DBE-8FCA-CB282821CD20/0/CPR_EastBranch_AUG_09.pdf)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on August 24, 2009, 12:43:09 PM
Also noteworthy, I read that SH 161 opened on August 2nd between SH 183 and I-30 in Grand Prairie. It's a toll road, but it doesn't seem to be a direct extension of the President George Bush Turnpike.

http://www.star-telegram.com/arlington_news/story/1514248.html (http://www.star-telegram.com/arlington_news/story/1514248.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on August 24, 2009, 03:04:49 PM
that's a good news to hear  :cool:

TX-161 act more as a spur of the PGB Tpk, they have once a bigger plans for it and it might be revived as Loop 9 http://www.loop9.org/overview-studyarea.html (http://www.loop9.org/overview-studyarea.html) I heard then TX-170 was also planned to be a gap of Loop 9 http://www.ntta.org/NR/rdonlyres/FC6FE1C4-25E2-460F-82CA-FC14B94B37FE/0/CPR_SH170_AUG_09.pdf (http://www.ntta.org/NR/rdonlyres/FC6FE1C4-25E2-460F-82CA-FC14B94B37FE/0/CPR_SH170_AUG_09.pdf)

TX-360 will have a southern extension south of I-20 as a tollway http://www.ntta.org/NR/rdonlyres/B8B823D6-B6BB-4C8E-A5BA-BFDEA87A49EB/0/CPR_SH360_AUG_09.pdf (http://www.ntta.org/NR/rdonlyres/B8B823D6-B6BB-4C8E-A5BA-BFDEA87A49EB/0/CPR_SH360_AUG_09.pdf)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: njroadhorse on August 24, 2009, 03:24:34 PM
Wow, I guess even the freeway networks are bigger in Texas.  :-D

Do you know when the TX-360 project will start?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on August 24, 2009, 03:35:53 PM
The Frontage Roads of SH 360 already exist all the way to US 287.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on August 24, 2009, 03:53:37 PM
Are there plans to convert US 380 between Denton and McKinney to a freeway? I would be a nice first step to a super-duper-beltway around the DFW area. The Dallas suburbs already reach as a far north as Frisco, Denton and McKinney, all cities with a population of around 100,000.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on August 24, 2009, 07:17:22 PM
KeepItMovingDallas.com is the go-to website for Dallas District major construction planning.  Here is the US 380 page:

http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/US+380/ (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/US+380/)

I thought US 380 might be upgraded to full freeway, and posted (speculatively) to this general effect on SkyscraperCity.com, but the schematic I picked at random for examination shows a surface arterial with signals at select major intersections.  It looks like TxDOT is going for access management rather than a full freeway.  Through-traffic volumes however are around the 20,000-VPD mark, which has in the past been considered justification for a full freeway.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Alex on September 01, 2009, 10:47:38 PM
Initial work just started on the DFW Connector Project (http://www.txdot.gov/project_information/projects/fort_worth/dfw_connector/default.htm).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on September 02, 2009, 08:44:58 AM
Quote from: austrini on July 06, 2009, 04:12:16 PM(map goes here)

I tried Inkscape for the first time, updating a somewhat older map from wikipedia.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi28.tinypic.com%2F2istv09.png&hash=2be3478020e7e2c2cbb8677cf2139b6dbbb43a19)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Alex on September 06, 2009, 11:30:41 PM
Get ready to speed up: 70 mph limits officially take effect Tuesday on toll roads (http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/08/get-ready-to-speed-up-70-mph-l.html)

Toll rates take effect Tuesday; Sam Rayburn Tollway grows, too (http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2009/08/toll-rates-take-effect-tuesday.html)

SRT extension opens Tuesday (09-01)

Also, on Tuesday, drivers on the Sam Rayburn Tollway, will be able to take the road further north. The road currently stops at Hillcrest Road, but beginning tomorrow will extend about 3.5 miles further, to Custer Road.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on October 31, 2009, 06:47:47 AM
Just a heads-up--the NTTA has just advertised the Maltese cross stack at the intersection of the DNT and SH 121T (Sam Rayburn Tollway).

http://www.thomasrepro.com/dfs/ntta/ (http://www.thomasrepro.com/dfs/ntta/)

Plans are free to view but require a (free, via automatic registration) user account.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on February 25, 2010, 11:27:28 AM
George Bush Turnpike extension is visible on Google Earth (december 5th, 2009 imagery)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi46.tinypic.com%2F24bkowp.jpg&hash=3571ffb0849f51aecb90b666898df6ee22cf7af3)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: mgk920 on February 25, 2010, 12:36:03 PM
I was able to trace that ROW from those images to a point on US 80 a short distance east of Mesquite, TX (by Lawson Rd).

Is the Bush Turnpike planned to continue southward from there and if so, how far?

Mike
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on February 25, 2010, 01:41:47 PM
See here:

http://www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/projects.htm

The PGBT is, of course, the modern incarnation of Loop 9, and in principle could form a complete loop around Dallas.  But the length actually under construction runs only from SH 78 to IH 30 and the Eastern Extension currently being planned would run from IH 30 to IH 20.

I am still waiting for serious movement on the NTTA's part of the Southwest Parkway (SH 121).  It is a joint NTTA/TxDOT project and TxDOT has let one or two major contracts for its share of the work (which includes a stack interchange at IH 20), but so far the NTTA hasn't advertised anything related to the Southwest Parkway.

Edit:  I really need to stop spreading wrong information.  The NTTA, in fact, has let one contract related to the Southwest Parkway--02789, last autumn.  However, as far as I can tell, it provides just for the construction of retaining walls and a relocation (involving bridges passing over future SH 121) of the ramps which connect IH 30 to Rosedale Street in Fort Worth.  This is a fairly small part of what will eventually become an IH 30/SH 121 interchange complex.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on February 25, 2010, 05:24:57 PM
A interesting trivia about the Eastern Extension from I-30 to I-20, is it referred officially as SH-190 instead of the PGBT.

I wonder if the current gap of TX-170 once upgraded to full tollway, might be part of Loop-9 in the long term?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 03, 2010, 09:32:11 PM
I dust-off a bit the subject, when I checked the I-635/LBJ HOT project, I spotted the following document dated from 2007 at http://www.newlbj.com/documents/Categorical%20Exclusion,%20IH%20635-US%2075%20Interchange-June%202008/Figure%207a-7h.pdf  and it show the Northern gap of the proposed Loop 9 taking a completely different corridor in the north. It's now more closer to US-380 O_o, does the DFW metroplex will sprawl there? Come to think of it, will it sprawl to the Oklahoma border?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 04, 2010, 02:26:34 PM
I wonder why Dallas only sprawls to the north in the first time. If you hit I-45 south, you'll be out of the continuous developments within 10 - 12 miles, but if you hit US 75 north, it takes like 32 miles. However, if you look at earlier Google Earth imagery, and compare them to the latest (2009) imagery, you'll see the development of new suburbs has stalled significantly.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on July 28, 2010, 10:01:56 AM
Dallas sprawls to the north because all of the poor people live on the south side. Rich people, being rich, require and own more space so they get a lot more sprawl.
Its that way with most American cities.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on July 28, 2010, 10:03:50 AM
The DMN had an article, yesterday, on the new briges for the PGBT eastern extension over Lake Ray Hubbard.

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/transportation/stories/DN-bridge_27met.ART.State.Edition1.4d1b501.html

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 02, 2010, 10:35:21 AM
Some photos of the progress made at the NTTA SH 121 and US 75 stack in McKinney, from last week:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4139%2F4850750151_47a843022a_b.jpg&hash=cbbd3a9850cff4a2b612ed59f0995027d3adb4f4)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4114%2F4850751827_662f7ae0ce_b.jpg&hash=9a6b2276487bb575ae636ee3057be7b00993e44a)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: SSOWorld on August 02, 2010, 11:55:52 AM
No reason to have this topic as a sticky -- ms
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on August 02, 2010, 01:35:05 PM
Does all the girders or "I-beams" are now in concrete? I don't see one of them made of steel in this picture.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 03, 2010, 07:55:34 PM
Yes, they're all concrete as far as I know.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 28, 2010, 05:06:53 PM
Dallas' new Calatrava bridge has the central arch structure completed, and its pretty tall. The bridge will eventually be the central feature of the western extension of Woodall Rodgers Freeway, over the Trinity River. Photo 8/28/10, by me.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4102%2F4935335173_a3877ffb65_z.jpg&hash=8aa6468aee24c5752bde82a7cf80fb0aee24c8d0)

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatguyinalittlecoat/4935335173/sizes/z/in/photostream/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 28, 2010, 05:09:45 PM
The big stack at Loop 12/SH 114/SH 183 is coming along. The first ramp from eastbound 114 to southbound Loop 12 is starting to take shape. Much of the frontage road work looks 80% complete, and the new light rail line to Irving is being constructed along with the new interchange. Texas Stadium used to be just on the east side of this freeway, but its been demolished. Photos 8/28/10 by me.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4073%2F4935928040_5679bacec8_z.jpg&hash=ca9b95751b5d98e5225310fe62d7638f2f74fb87)

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatguyinalittlecoat/4935928040/

Some of the pillar "art" :

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4138%2F4935928342_3ecb399a9e_z.jpg&hash=01a677d00fb00f2beabfcbcbb8ab846ab7083c73)

Photo link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatguyinalittlecoat/4935928342/sizes/z/in/photostream/

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 28, 2010, 05:11:54 PM
DFW is getting the Super Bowl in January and, at least here, IH 30 is signed as "Super Bowl Highway" over the regular Tom Landry signs. The signs were unveiled in June, I'm not sure if they're going to stay up after the Super Bowl...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm5.static.flickr.com%2F4135%2F4935337163_6855f4973d_z.jpg&hash=811323e4745241df71ab5ee5d5adb1a9104b8413)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on January 20, 2011, 06:04:19 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.static.flickr.com%2F5125%2F5372555646_1957d130e1_o.jpg&hash=f3f2a411f841dcc5eef59ae9a950e3673e48fd5d) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5372555646/)
DFW projects (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chriszwolle/5372555646/) by Chriszwolle (http://www.flickr.com/people/chriszwolle/), on Flickr
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: njroadhorse on January 21, 2011, 09:20:04 AM
Loop 9 done in 4 years? This I gotta see.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: DAL764 on January 21, 2011, 04:28:00 PM
Quote from: Chris on January 20, 2011, 06:04:19 AM
Quite an interesting. You wouldn't happen to have a map that goes with that list?

I mean, I have been following the massive freeway/tollway expansion in the DFW metroplex thanks to Google Earth and its regular updates, but that list, especially the "Open by 2025" part is confusing me as far as locations go.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 26, 2011, 05:14:17 PM
A couple of local projects with closures this weekend::::

Woodall Rodgers Freeway (deck park project)--
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/downtown-dallas/headlines/20110826-woodall-rodgers-freeway-closing-at-midnight-saturday-for-deck-park-construction.ece

EB lanes closed, midnight Saturday - 5am Monday
WB lanes closed, midnight Saturday - 10am Sunday, 5pm Sunday - 5am Monday

Dallas N. Tollway/TX 121-Sam Rayburn Tollway (interchange direct ramp project)--
http://friscoblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/08/dallas-north-tollway-to-be-clo-5.html

SB DNT lanes closed (diverted to SB Dallas Pkwy. service road), Warren Pkwy. to Legacy Dr.
NB DNT lanes closed (diverted to NB Dallas Pkwy. service road), Headquarters Dr. to Gaylord Pkwy.
-- 11pm Friday-7am Saturday; 11pm Saturday-7am Sunday; 9pm Sunday-5am Monday
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: InterstateNG on August 26, 2011, 09:56:26 PM
Any particular reason why Texas builds the free/tollways first and then builds the direct connections?  Mopac and Ben White and I-35 and Ben White in Austin come to mind.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 24, 2011, 07:10:16 PM
Quote from: InterstateNG on August 26, 2011, 09:56:26 PM
Any particular reason why Texas builds the free/tollways first and then builds the direct connections?  Mopac and Ben White and I-35 and Ben White in Austin come to mind.
In the case of Dallas N. Tollway/TX 121-Sam Rayburn Tollway, it may have been an issue of $$, but the DNT extension got to TX 121 before the work started to make new tolled main lanes on 121.  Maybe the NTTA didn't think a full interchange was necessary in 1994 when that DNT extension reached 121 at the time.
Title: Upcoming I-35E project from Dallas to Denton
Post by: txstateends on September 24, 2011, 07:18:13 PM
http://blogs.dallasobserver.com/unfairpark/2011/09/if_you_want_to_sit_in_on_sneak.php

A public hearing is being held Tuesday night at a Dallas-area high school to preview the first phase of the upcoming I-35E project, which will span from I-635 to the Bush Turnpike.  ROW needs for this section are 84 acres and 138 property displacements.  Work is projected to start in 2014.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on October 12, 2011, 05:02:00 PM
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2011/10/06/NTTA-approves-bonds.html

QuoteNTTA approves bonds for Chisholm Trail Parkway

Dallas Business Journal
by Matt Joyce , Staff Writer
Date: Thursday, October 6, 2011, 2:11pm CDT

The North Texas Tollway Authority Board of Directors on Thursday approved the sale of bonds to help build the Chisholm Trail Parkway, a final step to making the project a reality.

The Authority also added the Parkway to the NTTA Special Projects System and approved a toll equity loan agreement with the Texas Department of Transportation.

The $1 billion, 27.6-mile Chisholm Trail Parkway is a planned toll road that will extend from the Fort Worth central business district south to Cleburne.

"The drivers of Fort Worth have waited for this much-needed thoroughfare. Today's green light by the board allows the project to move into full construction,"  said NTTA Chairman Kenneth Barr.

The corridor is a collaboration between the NTTA, TxDOT, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Federal Highway Administration, Tarrant and Johnson counties, the cities of Burleson, Cleburne and Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority and the Union Pacific Railroad.

The new road is expected to open to traffic by mid-2014.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on October 13, 2011, 01:24:54 AM
Here is a recent pic I took of the SH 114/SH 170 interchange construction at Roanoke.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F9242011031.jpg&hash=010d64da32aadb5508364eb24b7396daae467925)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on October 22, 2011, 04:28:20 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/44993102/ns/local_news-dallas_fort_worth_tx/

At the Dallas North Tollway/TX 121-Sam Rayburn Tollway interchange project:

The Dallas North Tollway main lanes will close tonight at 10pm in both directions.  All traffic will have to exit to the Dallas Parkway service road between Headquarters Drive in Plano and Gaylord Parkway in Frisco.  The Tollway NB will be closed till 9am Sunday morning, while the Tollway SB will be closed through Sunday (no exact time was listed).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on November 05, 2011, 01:39:16 PM
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Dallas-Drivers-Cope-With-Tunnels-Lighting-Extremes-133276613.html

At the Woodall Rodgers deck park project, some lights are installed, but not all support beams have been placed, so the effects of some dark parts, then some brightly-lit (or open to sunshine) are affecting visibility for drivers.
(video included in link)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on November 05, 2011, 01:43:45 PM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/45170028/ns/local_news-dallas_fort_worth_tx/

At the Dallas North Tollway/TX 121-Sam Rayburn Tollway interchange, 4 of the 8 ramps have opened to traffic this week.  The other 4 will open by the end of the year.  The article, unfortunately, doesn't make it clear which ramps are open now.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on November 29, 2011, 04:05:22 PM
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=5735.0

This thread has a link with pix of the Bush Turnpike east extension construction, mostly over Lake Ray Hubbard and around the I-30 interchange.

According to this: http://enews.ntta.org/DrivingForward/December2011/PGBT_Opening_DF_DEC11
the NTTA is going for an opening of the extension in 2 weeks.  Apparently there will still be touch-ups and last little things to do afterward, but they probably want to get it going for Christmas shopping access to Firewheel Town Center in Garland.

I hope they're not rushing things....
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: us175 on December 09, 2011, 11:29:23 AM
Letting schedule: I-30/I-35E interchange & Trinity River bridges redo in Dallas


Found this in a local DFW online forum, the poster found the info from TxDOT:

*************************************************
CCSJ: 1068-04-116

District: Dallas
Let Date: DEC 2012
Highway: IH 30
Let Status: Tentative
CSJ: 0009-11-226
Fund Cat: 3
Description: RECONSTRUCT INTERCHANGE WITH HOV / MANAGED LANES AND COLLECTOR
Limits From: IH 35E INTERCHANGE Limits To: WEST OF HOTEL STREET
Length: 0.5 Miles
Estimate: 114,200,000


District: Dallas
Let Date: DEC 2012
Highway: IH 35E
Let Status: Tentative
CSJ: 0196-03-205
Fund Cat: 2M
Description: RECONSTRUCT INTERCHANGE WITH HOV / MANAGED LANES AND COLLECTOR
Limits From: SOUTH OF IH 30
Limits To: SOUTH OF COMMERCE STREET
Length: 0.8 Miles
Estimate: 228,400,000

District: Dallas
Let Date: DEC 2012
Let Status: Tentative
Highway: IH 35E
Project ID: BR 2004(426) CSJ: 0442-02-118
Fund Cat: 6
Description: REPLACE BR & APPRS
Limits From: AT TRINITY RIVER
Length: 0.5 Miles
Limits To: NB & SB
Estimate: 101,000,000

District: Dallas
Let Date: DEC 2012
Highway: IH 35E
Let Status: Tentative
Fund Cat: 11
Project ID: BOR 2003(38) CSJ: 0442-02-132
Description: RECONSTRUCT, ADD COLLECTOR / DISTRIBUTOR ROADS AND HOV / MANAGED
Limits From: SOUTH OF COLORADO BLVD
Limits To: SOUTH OF IH 30
Length: 0.5 Miles
Estimate: $62,000,000

District: Dallas
Let Date: DEC 2012
Highway: IH 30
Let Status: Tentative
Project ID: BR ( ) CSJ: 1068-04-099
Fund Cat: 6
Description: REPLACE BRIDGES AND APPROACHES
Limits From: AT BECKLEY, AT TRINITY RIVER, AND
Limits To: AT RIVERFRONT BLVD
Length: 0.0
Estimate: $42,000,000

District: Dallas
Let Date: DEC 2012
Highway: IH 30
Let Status: Tentative
Project ID: IMD 2002(40) CSJ: 1068-04-116
Fund Cat: 3
Description: WIDEN AND RECONSTRUCT FREEWAY WITH HOV / MANAGED &
Limits From: EAST OF SYLVAN AVE Limits
To: IH 35E
Length: 1.5 Miles
Estimate: 152,400,000

-------------------

Totals for 1068-04-116
Length: 3.8 Miles
Estimate: 700,000,000
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on December 09, 2011, 02:58:17 PM
Has anyone heard of an opening date for the eastern extension of the President George Bush Turnpike? The NTTA website says "Mid-December".

http://www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/PGBTEast (http://www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/PGBTEast)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on December 09, 2011, 04:12:00 PM
Quote from: us175 on December 09, 2011, 11:29:23 AMLetting schedule: I-30/I-35E interchange & Trinity River bridges redo in Dallas

Found this in a local DFW online forum, the poster found the info from TxDOT:

That information is cut-and-pasted from here:

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/let/2013/dallas.htm#106804116

Note that the handling code is "XX."  Most normal TxDOT projects have no handling code.  "XX" means that the project is not being processed through the statewide letting and thus that there will be no construction plans available for download from TxDOT's plans FTP server.  "XX" projects also tend not to be let in (or even near) the month they appear in the TxDOT letting list because TxDOT is not the agency handling the procurement and is not necessarily kept up to date.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: us175 on December 10, 2011, 07:04:38 PM
Quote from: Chris on December 09, 2011, 02:58:17 PM
Has anyone heard of an opening date for the eastern extension of the President George Bush Turnpike? The NTTA website says "Mid-December".

http://www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/PGBTEast (http://www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/PGBTEast)

Other than what the poster linked in post #44 up the page, I haven't heard anything different.  I'm wondering if somebody's not in too much of a hurry about the project's completion.  Judging from those pix in the link, things don't look quite ready yet.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on December 20, 2011, 04:34:53 PM
The construction of the Chisholm Trail Parkway formally commenced today.

http://blogs.star-telegram.com/honkin_mad/2011/12/chisholm-trail-parkway-ground-breaks-its-about-time-north-texas-tollway-authority-prepares-residents.html (http://blogs.star-telegram.com/honkin_mad/2011/12/chisholm-trail-parkway-ground-breaks-its-about-time-north-texas-tollway-authority-prepares-residents.html)

Actual right-of-way clearing already began in 2010. Not a lot of buildings had to be cleared, mostly some industrial buildings near the rail yard.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on December 20, 2011, 04:39:23 PM
The PGBT East Extension opens tomorrow:

Quote
The North Texas Tollway Authority plans to open the President George Bush Turnpike Eastern Extension in the late afternoon of Wednesday, Dec. 21, weather permitting. The Eastern Extension will allow motorists to drive the highly anticipated route that extends the PGBT from northwest Garland to Interstate 30.

http://www.ntta.org/NR/rdonlyres/6FF980C7-CF71-4EBF-9F64-A3B96322852E/0/20111220_PGBTEEOpening.pdf (http://www.ntta.org/NR/rdonlyres/6FF980C7-CF71-4EBF-9F64-A3B96322852E/0/20111220_PGBTEEOpening.pdf) < PDF
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Greybear on December 21, 2011, 01:34:44 AM
Quote from: Chris on December 09, 2011, 02:58:17 PM
Has anyone heard of an opening date for the eastern extension of the President George Bush Turnpike? The NTTA website says "Mid-December".

http://www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/PGBTEast (http://www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/PGBTEast)

The Eastern Extention of the PGB Turnpike from Texas 78 to I-30 officially opens December 21, according to local news reports.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on December 22, 2011, 01:05:42 PM
I looked on the news last night, only KTVT/11 had video, part of it live in a car or live truck--they were driving over the Lake Ray Hubbard bridge.  Nobody yet has archived video, 2 stations have brief articles, and the NTTA has a construction slideshow.

KDFW/4: http://www.myfoxdfw.com/dpp/news/Bush-Turnpike-Extension-Opens-122111
(has aerial pic of Bush Turnpike/I-30 interchange)

KXAS/5: http://www.nbcdfw.com/traffic/transit/East-Expansion-of-Bush-Tollway-Opens-136066953.html
(has ground-level construction pic between Lake Ray Hubbard and I-30)

NTTA slideshow: http://www.ntta.org/AboutUs/Projects/ProjectSlideshow?proj=PGBT?timed=true
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Alex on December 22, 2011, 02:04:22 PM
Justin drove it yesterday and posted a few photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatguyinalittlecoat/6551377409/in/photostream

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatguyinalittlecoat/6551375835/in/photostream/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatguyinalittlecoat/6551374283/in/photostream/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on January 12, 2012, 02:48:21 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F11212003.jpg&hash=002468fe10a8a57782ed5d529957b3c865cdb148)

Construction progress on new FM 720 Lewisville Lake Bridge in Little Elm.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on January 25, 2012, 04:59:37 PM
I-35W north of Forth Worth. It will be widened from 4 to 16 lanes max (excluding frontage facilities). I don't think I've ever seen a widening as massive as this one.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on January 25, 2012, 06:37:28 PM
Quote from: Chris on January 25, 2012, 04:59:37 PM
I-35W north of Forth Worth. It will be widened from 4 to 16 lanes max (excluding frontage facilities). I don't think I've ever seen a widening as massive as this one.

The closest widening I knew who came close to I-35W might be Hwy-401 at Mississauga, west of Toronto. However Hwy-401 don't have frontage/service roads. https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?action=post;quote=77161;topic=808.75;num_replies=90;sesc=9b55e95b6877590c10151b191a91474c
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on January 26, 2012, 10:39:47 AM
these are just as big and under construction now

North Tarrant Express




DFW Connector


LBJ Express(Widening and Double decking)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bassoon1986 on January 27, 2012, 05:20:53 PM
35W  needs extra lanes badly. Going south into FW it's 2 lanes until just before downtown and it backs up frequently. Lots of old roadway too
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on January 30, 2012, 04:55:18 PM
US 75 widening in McKinney starting...
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/news/local_news/dallas_news/011-2012.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/news/local_news/dallas_news/011-2012.htm)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F01152011b050.jpg&hash=5dbe53bc7457abc4d70a23fddfa916b75ff350ee)
Photo Date 1.15.11 NB US 75 in McKinney. This is the section that is going to be improved.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on January 31, 2012, 12:35:55 AM
It has always surprised me that this segment wasn't widened years ago.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: brownpelican on January 31, 2012, 03:45:45 PM
Quote from: Chris on January 25, 2012, 04:59:37 PM
I-35W north of Forth Worth. It will be widened from 4 to 16 lanes max (excluding frontage facilities). I don't think I've ever seen a widening as massive as this one.



Wait until they start widening I-75 in Cobb County, Ga. - up to 24 lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on February 02, 2012, 06:44:45 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 25, 2012, 06:37:28 PM
Quote from: Chris on January 25, 2012, 04:59:37 PM
I-35W north of Forth Worth. It will be widened from 4 to 16 lanes max (excluding frontage facilities). I don't think I've ever seen a widening as massive as this one.

The closest widening I knew who came close to I-35W might be Hwy-401 at Mississauga, west of Toronto. However Hwy-401 don't have frontage/service roads. https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?action=post;quote=77161;topic=808.75;num_replies=90;sesc=9b55e95b6877590c10151b191a91474c

How soon they forget....

I-10 Katy Freeway widening from 10 lanes (including frontage roads) to 24+ lanes.

rte66man
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on February 03, 2012, 06:22:52 AM
I am curious.  I hear this 24 lane stat many times.  I've driven I-10 from downtown out to Grand Parkway many times and don't understand the number.  There are some wide portions where interchanges exist, but I've never seen a consistent 24 lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on February 03, 2012, 01:11:21 PM
The Katy Freeway has mainly 14 lanes, 10 general purpose and 4 managed lanes. Only some interchange approaches have more lanes, and if you include frontage roads, you apparently get 24 lanes.

Frontage roads don't count as freeway lanes in my opinion. I prefer the number of through lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: blawp on February 11, 2012, 05:56:02 PM
Agreed. To include frontage roads as main lanes is really silly. I might as well include Burbank and Ventura Boulevards in the lane calculations for US 101.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on February 12, 2012, 11:29:22 AM
I think the 24-lane claim for the Katy Freeway developed by accident, as a result of TxDOT's state highway logging system.  In general, TxDOT considers a state highway designation along a freeway to include both the freeway mainlanes (which are the only part of the facility actually having freeway characteristics) and the frontage roads.  TxDOT's logging system allows state highway lanes to be tagged separately according to whether they are mainlanes, ramps, or frontage road lanes, but TxDOT will typically cite the total lane count for the entire state highway (including frontage roads) in publicity.  The twenty-plus lane claim (I seem to remember also hearing "26 lanes" in relation to the Katy Freeway) surfaced late in the environmental process, when the schematic had been agreed but before detailed construction plans were available.  The early press reporting would have set this figure in concrete via Google, since the top hit for any search on {Katy Freeway lane count} or similar would have returned the round number and not the breakdown into ramps, frontage road lanes, etc.

I am quite sure that TxDOT never meant to inflate the claim to imply that the frontage roads had full control of access like the freeway itself, but on the other hand they would have had little incentive to prune the frontage roads out of the lane count since the Katy Freeway reconstruction program did, in fact, include comprehensive reconstruction and widening of the frontage roads.

The only exception to this general rule for logging TxDOT freeways is when the freeway and the frontage roads have separate state highway designations.  In this case the logging system will treat the freeway mainlanes as a freeway without frontage roads while the frontage roads will be treated as one or more conventional state highways.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on February 14, 2012, 03:07:45 AM
I was going to ask the very thing you posted.  Was thinking of President George Bush Turnpike and how the frontage roads have constantly been a part of that project, and even served as the main lanes through Garland, Richardson and Plano for a while.  Would certainly in a sense make sense to add those lanes as they were a major part of the same project.  Same with Central Expressway through Dallas Proper.  The Frontage Roads even cantilever over the expressway lanes at times and even share in the aesthetic and have extensive ramps and flyovers at times.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 27, 2012, 05:08:46 PM
Work on the SH 114/ SH 170 interchange is coming along nicely.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F4272012001.jpg&hash=49cc44afd84b79293d4a35462855403e542787a0)

Work is also underway on SH 114 between I-35W and FM 156
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F4272012samsung006.jpg&hash=8629e592d866c01fa421192fc9d127c310a7dbf1)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bassoon1986 on April 29, 2012, 07:44:49 PM
I don't know if it's been mentioned but one of the flyovers at the funnel in Grapevine is finished. The exit for NB TX 121 and 635 while going eastbound on 114 approaching the airport is finished and it looks nice!
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on April 30, 2012, 01:46:42 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 27, 2012, 05:08:46 PM
Work on the SH 114/ SH 170 interchange is coming along nicely.

Work is also underway on SH 114 between I-35W and FM 156

Are they working on the piece between 35W and 170?  Also, are they planning on widening 114 all the way to 81 at Rhome?

rte66man
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 30, 2012, 05:06:33 PM
No work is being done from I-35W to the Louis St overpass in Roanoke. Wise County has already finished their part. There is no work being done from FM 156 to the Denton/Wise County Line.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 30, 2012, 11:51:08 PM
DFW Connector (SH 114/121 at Grapevine) about 1 year ahead of schedule.
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/27/3918863/dfw-connector-project-in-grapevine.html?video=true#storylink=cpy (http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/27/3918863/dfw-connector-project-in-grapevine.html?video=true#storylink=cpy)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on May 01, 2012, 01:44:35 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 30, 2012, 05:06:33 PM
No work is being done from I-35W to the Louis St overpass in Roanoke. Wise County has already finished their part. There is no work being done from FM 156 to the Denton/Wise County Line.

Did the Speedway owners contribute $$$ to the widening?  HAHAHAHAHAH

rte66man
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on May 18, 2012, 09:27:43 AM
The new Woodall Rodgers Extension is open. It doesnt go anywhere, but its nice to look at.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7230%2F7054845933_9796597cd1_b.jpg&hash=9ab07e1478de86d1bb4dcd36e9364ec731c56447)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7256%2F6908751694_356f94649d_b.jpg&hash=880eaaae13154181ffadac10afde7eed296eecef)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on May 18, 2012, 07:44:31 PM
QuoteThe new Woodall Rodgers Extension is open. It doesnt go anywhere, but its nice to look at.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7230%2F7054845933_9796597cd1_b.jpg&hash=9ab07e1478de86d1bb4dcd36e9364ec731c56447)

I don't like this sign setup. it looks like "35E" was tacked on as an afterthought, even though it's far more important than Continental Av

Secondly, I don't like the "TO 75" without the mention of the Spur 366 designation. I know the sign on I-35E say "TO I-45/US 75", and the signs on I-345/US 75 say "TO I-35E".
I don't agree with this practice, I think the SPUR designation should always be shown.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: NE2 on May 18, 2012, 08:35:06 PM
I think the covered left panel will be for I-35E.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 19, 2012, 03:42:52 AM
Actually, I've seen pictures taken around the time of the dedication weekend events a few weeks ago, the signs weren't tarped, and the left one had "Riverfront Blvd" (the former Industrial Blvd.), while the Continental sign had no I-35E shield on it at all.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: NE2 on May 19, 2012, 04:05:01 AM
Interesting. The original plans had that exit signed for I-35E north only: http://www.projectpegasus.org/images/2015SCH0104_1122.pdf
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on May 19, 2012, 03:50:10 PM
You can actually see where it says Riverfront under the blue.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 20, 2012, 04:22:30 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on May 18, 2012, 07:44:31 PM
QuoteThe new Woodall Rodgers Extension is open. It doesnt go anywhere, but its nice to look at.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7230%2F7054845933_9796597cd1_b.jpg&hash=9ab07e1478de86d1bb4dcd36e9364ec731c56447)

I don't like this sign setup. it looks like "35E" was tacked on as an afterthought, even though it's far more important than Continental Av

Secondly, I don't like the "TO 75" without the mention of the Spur 366 designation. I know the sign on I-35E say "TO I-45/US 75", and the signs on I-345/US 75 say "TO I-35E".
I don't agree with this practice, I think the SPUR designation should always be shown.

One bad thing about the Continental sign including the I-35E shield (other than it being last-minute, you guessed right) is that it's slightly misleading--there's nothing beforehand telling you that this ramp actually merges with the NB offramp from I-35E to Continental, then you come to the light at Continental.  No direct access to SB or NB I-35E.  You actually have to go through the Continental light if you want to go on north to I-35E; while if you want SB access to I-35E you have to go left on Continental under I-35E's bridge, then left again to get to the SB ramp.

There have actually been 3 places where there were "Spur 366" signs in recent years:
* The (now former) EB ramp from Industrial (now Riverfront) where the Woodall Rodgers main lanes originally began.
* The WB ramp from US 75 has one on the right concrete siding.
* Under one of the downtown street underpasses (prior to the deck park construction), a 2-sided one was on a post on the middle jersey barrier.

On US 75 SB, before the Woodall Rodgers exit, all the advance BGS assemblies (this has been a couple of sign updates ago now) had

SPUR                     TO          Interstate
366                                          35E

                       Waco

                     ____  MILE

(I don't know if any of the ones on I-35E approaching Woodall Rodgers ever had Spur 366 signs on them or not.)
I tried to do a Kurumi BGS but my computer is acting up about Java.  Anyway, it may have been as little as a few weeks, or as many as a few months, but in a short length of time the BGSs were removed and replaced with the ones seen on Google Street View (http://g.co/maps/bqbt9 , http://g.co/maps/sepxr , http://g.co/maps/aag9r) --which have been much more misleading, as none of I-35E is actually routed on Woodall Rodgers.  In recent weeks, though, all 3 of those have been updated with Clearview as well as clearer info:

  TO     Interstate
               35E

         Waco
       Denton

     _____ MILE(S)

While those could be even clearer with Spur 366 signs included, at least they're better than they were.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on June 02, 2012, 01:32:08 PM
Video update of the Bush Turnpike-TX 161 work in Grand Prairie:
http://www.nbcdfw.com/video/#!/traffic/stories/Construction-Continues-on-Bush-Turnpike/156466155

Most of the work shown is around the I-30 interchange.  The report says NTTA hopes to have the extension done by October.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on July 11, 2012, 06:12:41 AM
Construction signs and orange barrels are up for U.S. 75 at the Grayson/Collin county line. Looks like the big rebuilding project between the county line and SH 121 North is about to start. Combined with the 75 widening through McKinney, this will make commuting interesting.

I wonder if the project includes stubs for the Outer Loop.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on July 11, 2012, 07:17:42 AM
I work for the county, I will go dig up the plans for it today. I've specifically looked for stubs but havent ever seen any, right now its just using the existing diamond.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 11, 2012, 01:06:15 PM
The loop is ultimately planned as a 10-lane mainline facility, so I guess we'll end up with another giant stack interchange.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 11, 2012, 02:10:38 PM
http://www.co.collin.tx.us/commissioners_court/mobility_projects/tollway_ext.jsp (http://www.co.collin.tx.us/commissioners_court/mobility_projects/tollway_ext.jsp)

Collin County needs to update its page on the Dallas North Tollway.

"An extension of the Dallas North Tollway from Legacy Drive to Gaylord Parkway is currently underway and there are future plans for extending the tollway from SH 121 to US 380 and beyond."

This "currently underway" extension to Gaylord Parkway opened to traffic 8 years ago. The "future extension to US 380" also opened 5 years ago.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on July 11, 2012, 03:20:15 PM
They've slightly altered the proposed alignment west of US 75, and there is a big stack at the Tollway extension - but for US 75 there isnt anything yet.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 14, 2012, 09:22:54 AM
Latest report on the I-635 work
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/story/19017524/stay-away-from-lbj-this-weekend

Meanwhile, the North Tarrant Express work has hit the halfway mark
http://www.myfoxdfw.com/video?clipId=7498200&autostart=true
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: blawp on July 15, 2012, 08:55:53 PM
Why was the Woodall Rodgers Extension even built?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: InterstateNG on July 15, 2012, 09:46:07 PM
To annoy you, clearly.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on July 16, 2012, 08:35:43 AM
Quote from: blawp on July 15, 2012, 08:55:53 PM
Why was the Woodall Rodgers Extension even built?

IIRC, thre are plans to extend it west and south to join I30.  This would be a relief route for Fort Worth-bound traffic.

rte66man
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: blawp on July 16, 2012, 10:53:00 AM
Where would it be connecting with the 30?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on July 16, 2012, 11:17:50 AM
There were no plans to connect it to any other freeway on the western end. The West Dallas neighborhood that it has for its western end is one of the poorest in the city, and property developers have long been eyeing it as a high-profit area. Lots of them donated money to build the bridge, in fact its named after a member of the Hunt family, which owns Rosewood (a large local land developer).

The poor people recently got the city to zone the area with height and density restrictions so condo towers can't be built.

I think I got all that right.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 16, 2012, 11:26:44 AM
Are there plans to replace the I-30 Trinity River Bridge? It narrows down from 8 lanes plus a reversible to just six lanes. It looks like a classic example of a bottleneck to me.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on July 16, 2012, 11:34:33 AM
Yes, it is part of something called "Project Pegasus" http://www.projectpegasus.org/ (Pegasus is a symbol of Dallas) that they've been talking about doing for years and years. I'm not sure of the status. The I-30 bridge isnt as big of a bottleneck as the I-35E bridge is, but they're still both bad and probably about to fall down.

The Woodall Rodgers bridge was totally unnecessary but was built because of development opportunities/community revitalization (depending on who you ask).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bugo on July 16, 2012, 11:45:17 AM
The I-35E and I-30 bridges were supposed to be "signature spans" like the silly Spur 366 bridge, but they cheapened out and they're going to be plain girder bridges.  Silly or not, I'll take the signature span over the plain flat bridge.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwtbear on July 16, 2012, 11:59:45 AM
Quote from: bugo on July 16, 2012, 11:45:17 AM
The I-35E and I-30 bridges were supposed to be "signature spans" like the silly Spur 366 bridge, but they cheapened out and they're going to be plain girder bridges.  Silly or not, I'll take the signature span over the plain flat bridge.

I-30 Bridge is still going to be a Calatrava bridge
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2012/03/02/dallas-margaret-hunt-hill-signature-bridge-opens/
http://keranews.org/post/makeover-margaret-mcdermott-designer-bridge
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bugo on July 16, 2012, 12:00:51 PM
Quote from: dfwtbear on July 16, 2012, 11:59:45 AM
Quote from: bugo on July 16, 2012, 11:45:17 AM
The I-35E and I-30 bridges were supposed to be "signature spans" like the silly Spur 366 bridge, but they cheapened out and they're going to be plain girder bridges.  Silly or not, I'll take the signature span over the plain flat bridge.

I-30 Bridge is still going to be a Calatrava bridge
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2012/03/02/dallas-margaret-hunt-hill-signature-bridge-opens/
http://keranews.org/post/makeover-margaret-mcdermott-designer-bridge

Thanks for the correction.  I had read that the 35E bridge was going to be a plain bridge and I assumed that the I-30 bridge was going to be the same way.  I hope it's better looking than the Spur 366 bridge is.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwtbear on July 16, 2012, 12:24:22 PM
Quote from: bugo on July 16, 2012, 12:00:51 PM
Quote from: dfwtbear on July 16, 2012, 11:59:45 AM
Quote from: bugo on July 16, 2012, 11:45:17 AM
The I-35E and I-30 bridges were supposed to be "signature spans" like the silly Spur 366 bridge, but they cheapened out and they're going to be plain girder bridges.  Silly or not, I'll take the signature span over the plain flat bridge.

I-30 Bridge is still going to be a Calatrava bridge
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2012/03/02/dallas-margaret-hunt-hill-signature-bridge-opens/
http://keranews.org/post/makeover-margaret-mcdermott-designer-bridge

Thanks for the correction.  I had read that the 35E bridge was going to be a plain bridge and I assumed that the I-30 bridge was going to be the same way.  I hope it's better looking than the Spur 366 bridge is.

I had heard that too that i_35 bridge will be plain.
Here is another link from the original plan on the Margaret McDermott Bridge I-30 Bridge:
http://www.thetrinitytrust.org/tttnewsJun07.pdf

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on July 16, 2012, 09:18:40 PM
Project Pegasus, was a plan for the entire mixmaster, I-30 downtown to the I-45 interchange  and I-35E up to the 183 split to be entirely rebuilt.  It was cancelled or "not pursued" anymore because funding couldn't be found for the tollway and now you have the "numbers" controversy.

The I-30 bridge and I-35E spans are to begin work either in December(2012) or January(2013).  The project is called The Horseshoe Project.  I-35 will be two spans just as it is currently.  The bids went out in the spring for the designs and we are supposed to get a look late summer or early fall at the design, which was part of the bid.  We have no idea what the bridge will look like as this was a TxDOT first in only giving safety and size parameters along with a dollar amount.  The I-30 bridge will be the Margaret McDermott signature bridge.  The design parameters were already shown to the public.  It will be designed around two large, or one large span that can support four portions of the bridge and run from levee to levee.   The other part of the "Horseshoe" is the connectors that make up the western half of the mixmaster. 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on July 27, 2012, 01:23:27 PM
SH 289 (Preston Road) is at the moment undergoing major construction for 12 miles north of Frisco. The road is being converted from 2 lane asphalt to 6 lane divided concrete and should be completely done in spring 2014.

The southern segment, from FM 3357 to US 380, is virtually finished except for some median work at the south end which still (aggravatingly) has some lanes closed. The second segment, consisting of a new overpass over US 380 and a 3-mile stretch through Prosper, began in April and earthwork is progressing nicely. Lane shifting will be this weekend for the final 4-mile segment into Celina.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on August 01, 2012, 12:41:06 AM
Wanted to share this notice I got with my water bill in the mail:

Collin County Toll Road Authority (CCTRA) Public Hearing

The CCTRA will conduct a Public Hearing to present alignment alternatives and discuss the status of the proposed Segment 3 of the Collin County Outer Loop from SH 289 to FM 2478.

-WHEN: Monday, August 6, 6:00 p.m.
-WHERE: 4th Floor, Commissioners Courtroom, Jack Hatchell Administration Building
-ADDRESS: 2300 Bloomdale Road, McKinney, TX 75071
-PROJECT INFORMATION/OPEN DISCUSSION: Citizens are invited to attend the Public Hearing. Verbal and written comments from the public regarding this project can be presented at the Public Hearing.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 03, 2012, 03:28:34 PM
Some project photos from today. I went to Trader Joe's and decided to go see what TxDot was up to.
Full sizes: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatguyinalittlecoat/

635 westbound west of Hillcrest. Many bridges are replaced, and they've started building the outer lanes.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7278%2F7705984630_2e0f6d798c_c.jpg&hash=ebb22e0aee91550a522854763be81b673341c25b)

35E northbound before 635, direct connection ramps to 635 and Loop 12
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8288%2F7705990416_c7bb50d18e_c.jpg&hash=9effab6a696e5cf121465ee25382641252aa3460)

SH 121 at SH 114 north of the airport
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8293%2F7705984930_f699063d82_c.jpg&hash=a6a485184703350d6fba81f713870d5a40f7cf93)

Through Grapevine... the inner express lanes look mostly done, they're working on the outer lanes I guess.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7279%2F7705985478_e2d5ff542a_c.jpg&hash=7b5a8788daf2261dd3ce5e37bb391425c3ec6097)

Direct connection ramps from SH 114 to SH 121 southbound. The northbound in the foreground, the southbound in the rear.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7262%2F7705985728_85957d772b_c.jpg&hash=c4925205793ce454021fa62eab1bd31e32dcf20c)

SH 121 southbound at Murphy (widening)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7125%2F7705986018_b03bf2c678_c.jpg&hash=880432314a1d47488f679540600e587896796bb1)

SH 121/183 westbound in Hurst. The structures are ramps for the express lanes to exit to the frontage roads.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7136%2F7705986284_302b3ae649_c.jpg&hash=38f73b284eebe2f57762062f7984e3a371d090b2)

SH 121/183 westbound in Hurst or Bedford. There will be 6 express lanes and 6-8 regular lanes. The new ROW is really wide, but it didnt photograph well.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8166%2F7705986616_0534ab8230_c.jpg&hash=7ee38835dfa513d67c317066e2b89fb6538f4ca0)

Direct connection ramps for the express lanes onto IH 820 southbound and SH 121 southbound to downtown Ftw.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8282%2F7705986852_2611dbb41f_c.jpg&hash=e5d4313079bfe8d20436fa4f793ae9fba95b1c27)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8003%2F7705987124_ea10a2a9c0_c.jpg&hash=2c08290abcafe1fcd1ddbb1c3120e1158393afc8)

IH 820 is being rebuilt from SH 121/183 west to 35W.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8145%2F7705987402_d9638cfed8_c.jpg&hash=e076bc12f8659ef9672e6766314d20fbc4e25792)

New stack at 820 / 35W with express and regular ramps
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8022%2F7705987738_711b73b150_c.jpg&hash=7598c8f424a34288b79244777872f1a25a0545ae)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7138%2F7705988030_119d9439dc_c.jpg&hash=c576beb658ab00f61f11e7949930ffd4aa0e7138)

Two new stretches of the SH 199 freeway to Azle opened this year, I think in May.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8146%2F7705988294_eb62cb5e65_c.jpg&hash=833a950114e7c305b5b729f88b7cc637034b64e6)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8158%2F7705988556_5a915240dc_c.jpg&hash=251a8612a6ba75a6fc14fda2a37c96bf067ed31e)

Overton Park Blvd at SH 121T / Chisholm Trail in southwest Ftw. The stack at IH 20 / 183 has a few of the pillars up, but there isnt really a place for photos of it.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8155%2F7705988876_f5d31f0f7a_c.jpg&hash=51504b18cb0f3950de518efaf116aef07153e0bc)

SH 121T / Chisholm Trail follows Vickery Blvd in Fort Worth for a while, the viaduct over the railyards is mostly complete. This view looks east at Vickery and Hulen.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8149%2F7705989192_478920fcbb_c.jpg&hash=820233f0cefc9676ebb3a85c8d1b47330fd48f4d)

IH 30 eastbound at SH 161 in Grand Prairie
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7254%2F7705989468_f50b30c3db_c.jpg&hash=46f1be30324d75a66dd5182c85ac0206540cc732)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8287%2F7705989756_59f2b39b46_c.jpg&hash=9d13dc1e04e054888703caea99f0281f71770406)

Phase 1 of Loop 121 / SH 114 in Irving looks done now, there are some new cement molds up for Phase 2 it looks like
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8145%2F7705990006_5a31c1d616_c.jpg&hash=7ff3e7ce9278be6115714aac78106330ddb53689)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on August 03, 2012, 06:25:58 PM
Nice job, Justin. Appreciate the update. Looks like you covered all current projects, exept for LOOP 12/SH 114 interchange.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on August 03, 2012, 06:37:03 PM
I-635, looking EB from Preston, Date: 7.25.12
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F72512008.jpg&hash=ce187f97e83aa62839af777fef1fda46b0979ec4)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 03, 2012, 08:26:28 PM
It's a bit difficult to photograph IH 635... when they were building the High 5 I went to one of the office buildings next to it and asked to take pictures out the window, and they let me.

Loop 12 / 114 is the final photo.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 04, 2012, 07:48:20 AM
Quote from: jczart on August 03, 2012, 08:26:28 PM
It's a bit difficult to photograph IH 635...

Agree with you there.  I've tried a few times since construction has started, but it's really a problem if you're passing over a bridge on a bus or whizzing by on a light-rail train.  There used to be some of DART's bus routes that ran along parts of I-635's service roads, but that was changed a few years ago; it could have been because they didn't want to traverse a future active long-term construction area, or they decided that boardings had decreased in those sections.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 04, 2012, 11:43:17 AM
I missed the 170/114 junction and ramps, some SH 114 stuff, 161 at IH 20 stack, IH 20 at Southwest Parkway (or whatever they call it now) stack... and some 35W stuff in North Ftw.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on August 04, 2012, 02:26:23 PM
I agree with everyone: all these projects are difficult to photograph. Here is a photo of the IH 30/SH 161 interchange taken in March. Progress has been quick.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20120324_161atI30_3035_1000.jpg&hash=291fe45724f969481514d786bf6a774059b14e35)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 04, 2012, 10:06:10 PM
Here are some photos from today of the US 75 widening through McKinney, on my way to Grayson County. It is being resurfaced from Anna to the Grayson County line, also.
Full size: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fatguyinalittlecoat/

Northbound past Eldorado.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8424%2F7714122366_97f6bf1acf_c.jpg&hash=5d9e6d5a68912b248858f60f0d1a3d8ca003659c)

More complete near Wilmeth

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8290%2F7714122578_530b7f9205_c.jpg&hash=a2dc0f7c7bc4dbe6b41dbc103053f2943c3b689a)

The Eldorado overpass old/new southbound.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8290%2F7714122798_c0c333f92c_c.jpg&hash=0d59f43167e86f9d25807557f3b18e0f2117bb76)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: NE2 on August 05, 2012, 07:45:28 AM
Quote from: jczart on August 04, 2012, 10:06:10 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8290%2F7714122798_c0c333f92c_c.jpg&hash=0d59f43167e86f9d25807557f3b18e0f2117bb76)
Is this the standard tollway sign (i.e. there are no Toll 121 signs)?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 05, 2012, 08:45:02 AM
Quote from: NE2 on August 05, 2012, 07:45:28 AM
Quote from: jczart on August 04, 2012, 10:06:10 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm9.staticflickr.com%2F8290%2F7714122798_c0c333f92c_c.jpg&hash=0d59f43167e86f9d25807557f3b18e0f2117bb76)
Is this the standard tollway sign (i.e. there are no Toll 121 signs)?

Since they decided to have a "name" for the tolled main lanes, the only labeling/signage referencing 121 is the service roads (similar to TX 190 in Carrollton, Richardson, Plano and TX 161 in part of Irving), using the primary state sign style. 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 05, 2012, 12:02:30 PM
It was originally signed here as Toll 121, when they were first building the junction but it changed to "SRT" pretty quickly (this is on my daily commute)...
Toll 121 is still signed that way down closer to the airport and it changes in Lewisville to the SRT signing.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm8.staticflickr.com%2F7024%2F6852952073_948b31c9d7_z.jpg&hash=d2de3e0eaa15f8bf682be2119502df4c9e30312e)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on August 05, 2012, 12:29:28 PM
Is the Dallas District now completely papered over with county toll road authorities?  The Collin County Toll Road Authority has already been mentioned upthread, and when I downloaded the IH 35E RID package yesterday (19 GB!), I found draft plans with a DCTA (Dallas County Toll Authority) collar.

I am frankly concerned by this proliferation of toll agencies because it makes it much harder to keep up with the documentation.  When it was just TxDOT and NTTA, it was much easier, since both put their construction plans online.  Nowadays I have to exchange email with the procurement officers for the NTE and LBJ Express just to stay up with those projects, and when I tried to get hold of a copy for the RFP for a CCTRA project, I had to sign up with BidSync just to find out whether there might be documents available for download, and was fielding cold calls from them for their extra-pay services for several days.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: NE2 on August 05, 2012, 12:58:56 PM
Quote from: jczart on August 05, 2012, 12:02:30 PM
Toll 121 is still signed that way down closer to the airport and it changes in Lewisville to the SRT signing.
Ah. I assume the changeover is where there are no frontage roads and SH 121 hops on the freeway?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on August 05, 2012, 01:05:02 PM
You might try the TxDot FTP site, schematics and project lists are usually in there: ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/
including some toll projects by other agencies. There isnt a single repository for projects, though, as with most regions. There are city, county, state, federal, toll agencies, etc.

Counties are allowed to toll whatever they want, but the only two I know of up here are Collin and Dallas. The Collin County project is essentially a county road freeway. Some other counties have them, too, like Harris, Brazoria or Williamson. They're usually part of a county transit system. Dallas County formed their toll road authority in 2010 to try to expedite the Loop 9 project, but hasnt really done anything with it since. Dallas is very big on trying to equalize the income levels of the poor southern part of the wealthy north part of the county by building lots of big ticket items on the south side (UNT, Woodall Rodgers Extn., Loop 9) that dont end up really doing anything.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 05, 2012, 04:20:20 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on August 05, 2012, 12:29:28 PM
when I downloaded the IH 35E RID package yesterday (19 GB!), I found draft plans with a DCTA (Dallas County Toll Authority) collar.

The only "DCTA" agency I know of around here is the Denton County Transit Authority.  Their rail line parallels I-35E between Denton and Carrollton.  Their RR ROW is within feet of the I-35E ROW in the vicinity of Lake Lewisville.  I haven't looked at the link to see if there's any other DCTA agency, but I do remember there being talk about Dallas trying to do something toll-wise...I haven't heard much lately, though.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on August 06, 2012, 12:46:48 PM
Just to thank both of you for the help and clarifications:

*  I checked Ftp.dot.state.tx.us again.  It had previously been used to host RID distributions for the SH 121 CDA and the LBJ Express Lanes procurement, but those were a while ago, and I had thought things had gone dead.  However, I found a link to the RID for the ongoing Grand Parkway procurement, which includes about 2.2 GB worth of old as-builts.  (The IH 35E RID includes about 1.8 GB worth of as-builts, including the original signing contract for IH 35E in Denton County, a sign replacement covering IH 35E in Dallas and Denton Counties, and the huge Dallas District reflective signing contract done in the early noughties, which has almost 200 sheets of pattern-accurate sign details.  The Denton County signing contract shows advance guide signs which use the word "EXIT" in the distance expression and tenths fractions:  4/10 mile, 9/10 mile, etc.)

*  I checked again and couldn't find "DCTA" spelled out.  However, the sheets that have "DCTA" on the collar have "Denton-Carrollton Rail Line" in the title box, so it looks like "DCTA" is indeed Denton County Transit Authority and not "Dallas County Toll Authority" as I had thought.  A Google search for {Dallas Toll Authority} has the lead hits from the Dallas Morning News transportation blog, not a toll authority website, and the blog posts I looked at say just that a toll authority was under consideration (and fierce criticism from NTTA:  "North Texas' Toughest Anglos") as of 2010--they don't confirm that it was created.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on August 06, 2012, 03:21:11 PM
Quote from JN Winkler:
QuoteI checked Ftp.dot.state.tx.us again.  It had previously been used to host RID distributions for the SH 121 CDA and the LBJ Express Lanes procurement, but those were a while ago, and I had thought things had gone dead.  However, I found a link to the RID for the ongoing Grand Parkway procurement, which includes about 2.2 GB worth of old as-builts.  (The IH 35E RID includes about 1.8 GB worth of as-builts, including the original signing contract for IH 35E in Denton County, a sign replacement covering IH 35E in Dallas and Denton Counties, and the huge Dallas District reflective signing contract done in the early noughties, which has almost 200 sheets of pattern-accurate sign details.  The Denton County signing contract shows advance guide signs which use the word "EXIT" in the distance expression and tenths fractions:  4/10 mile, 9/10 mile, etc.)
Quote

Where exactly are the Denton county signing plans? I got on the site but couldn't easily locate them. Could you give the file path?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on August 06, 2012, 08:01:05 PM
Brian556--these projects are packed into a 1.1-GB file containing the as-builts:

http://ih35erid.corridorprogram.com/RID/RFP/1.%20General/As-builts.zip

The CCSJs are as follows:

*  Denton 0195-02-018--IH 35E signing from the Dallas county line to the Cooke county line (October 1961)

*  Dallas/Denton 0195-02-023--IH 35E break-away sign supports etc. installation (includes some sign replacements) (February 1968)

*  Denton 0196-02-091--IH 35/E/W sign refurbishment (part of the TxDOT-wide sheeting upgrade in the early noughties) (April 2001)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: us175 on August 07, 2012, 10:13:23 AM
http://www.smwrightproject.org
http://www.smwrightproject.org/PDF/Notice-8-7-12-PM.pdf

TxDOT is having a public meeting tonight (about the plans for the S.M. Wright redo and future new US 175 west terminus at I-45 (full interchange ramps in both directions this time, I hope!)) at the MLK senior center from 5p to 8p on MLK Blvd. in Dallas.  Wish I could go, but I have to work later today ( :banghead: )!
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on August 17, 2012, 12:46:12 AM
Got a few pics of the DFW Connector today.

Looking west (south) on SH 121 after the split with the SH 114 lanes, which are on the right.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F8162012007.jpg&hash=fffd585ce31daf2d0318342cf4710961de2c91e4)

Looking east on SH 114 at the SH 121 interchange.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F8162012005.jpg&hash=98338554a5a065dcdfdd31571368d267e1a96f8c)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on September 26, 2012, 12:27:23 PM
Hard to tell the scope of the I-635 project from just driving, but this pic says it all

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbizbeatblog.dallasnews.com%2Ffiles%2F2012%2F09%2FNM_22TRAFFIC4_25776417-648x1024.jpg&hash=23d8f58109f2447ebda6fdeffb52f66c9db18024)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: NE2 on September 26, 2012, 01:32:49 PM
Dayum. It's like a natural disaster wiped out a whole city block.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on September 26, 2012, 09:20:19 PM
rantanamo, where did you get that aerial photo? Is it available for use and is it available in higher resolution? I would like to use it in the DFWFreeways book
www.dfwfreeways.com.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on September 26, 2012, 10:45:06 PM
it was on dallasnews.com this morning, and yes, it is very high resolution.  I believe for commercial use, there's a subscription fee.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Alps on September 26, 2012, 11:59:10 PM
I was looking at that photo like, wow, a whole new span, that's another 2 lanes each way. Then I read the comments, and looked again. Wait... there's a whole new OTHER span in the other direction! This is like the 401's widening in Toronto from 3/3 to 3/3/3/3.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on September 27, 2012, 12:56:48 PM
Four lanes each way isn't any better than the original, which is why there are few LBJ complaints.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on September 27, 2012, 03:47:32 PM
don't get what you're saying
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on October 11, 2012, 02:42:07 PM
Got some updates for the SH 114/SH 170 interchange, as well as the new section of FM 1938.

SH 114:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012SLR002.jpg&hash=8f0eed191883615fa0483efd690fd680d226aa71)
Looking east on SH 114 at Business 114/SH 170

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012PAN019.jpg&hash=aca7fab706a98f2d824f44ca666ae1643216b019)
Eastbound SH 114 approaching Trophy Club Dr. Leaving the work zone.


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012PAN073.jpg&hash=61c775c29c24dfb3ff9bf9c07257b13f334ec3cd)
Westbound SH 114 at the temporary freeway ending.


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012PAN053.jpg&hash=f25166bb3e8cada76d36add9fc14aab19a13b68f)
A look at the new ramp to SH 170.

FM 1938:
A new section of FM 1938 has been constructed from SH 114, south a few miles. It narrows and becomes Randol Mill Rd. This means that FM 1938 now exits in two discontinuous segments.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012PAN070.jpg&hash=91c21b406070f7b9b958ebf3ed88f9ee081d25d0)
Route Marker assembly on eastbound SH 114 Frontage Rd.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012PAN028.jpg&hash=a0954336c2eb38c5a56cebddc3e7e69b7a665e0b)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012PAN026.jpg&hash=3eb4b0d5561538006238566d763c625c39add188)
STOP signs too small.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012PAN031.jpg&hash=3ef87cf1daca843daa0b9dd7448b527311d778a4)
The divided highway, and FM 1938, end temporarily in the background.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012SLR007.jpg&hash=cac083201e46f7f3d7b2b78f1073af25afbec3f9)
The STOP signs have reinforcements for no reason at all. definitely not TXDOT standard. I have no idea why they would not this. Also,the way the street name sings are mounted is whacky.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10112012SLR004.jpg&hash=6d63269bace8746242a06558144c01d13f5676ab)
They have placed route marker assemblies at city street intersections, which is not TxDOT standard practice.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on November 02, 2012, 06:18:48 PM
SH 289 (Preston Road) update:

They have already put down the asphalt base and are installing the rebar on the southbound side of the 3-mile segment through Prosper, and I expect the concrete to be poured by Thanksgiving. People may be driving on concrete as soon as mid-February. We've generally had good weather, so this project is moving fast.

The six-lane overpass over U.S. 380 is open. On the north end, earthwork continues up to FM 455 in Celina, but that segment will be four-lane only, so the whole thing should be done at the same time.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on December 16, 2012, 11:02:30 AM
Contractor named for I-35E Project: http://www.dentonrc.com/local-news/local-news-headlines/20121214-contractor-for-i-35e-widening-project-named.ece (http://www.dentonrc.com/local-news/local-news-headlines/20121214-contractor-for-i-35e-widening-project-named.ece)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on December 17, 2012, 04:35:44 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on December 16, 2012, 11:02:30 AM
Contractor named for I-35E Project: http://www.dentonrc.com/local-news/local-news-headlines/20121214-contractor-for-i-35e-widening-project-named.ece (http://www.dentonrc.com/local-news/local-news-headlines/20121214-contractor-for-i-35e-widening-project-named.ece)

Will the northern part of the expansion end at 35W or will it extend up to at least US380?

rte66man
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on December 17, 2012, 05:23:16 PM
Quote from: rte66man on December 17, 2012, 04:35:44 PM
Will the northern part of the expansion end at 35W or will it extend up to at least US380?

rte66man

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/adm/2012/documents/minute_orders/dec13/9a_presentation.pdf
This gives the details.  The project will extend to US 380, where there will be 3 lanes in each direction (there are currently 2).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on January 09, 2013, 07:31:25 PM
There's a new YouTube animation of the LBJ Express project online, it was posted in this article:
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/01/the-only-time-youll-be-able-to-drive-lbj-express-in-five-minutes-new-video-shows-off-full-expanse-of-ih-635-redo.html/

It goes from the way-far-in-advance ramps at I-35E/Loop 12-NW Highway all the way over to the Greenville Avenue exit.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on March 04, 2013, 09:40:35 PM
The latest on Preston Road:

I was off a little in my guesstimation, but the new concrete through Prosper will be open within the week. The reflective lane markers are down, the temporary signs were being installed today, and there were some last-minute sweeping and landscaping jobs.

There is one little tricky tight spot left where the temporary roadway passes too close to the new construction. That still has to be shored up, and in order to do so they'll need to shut down the roadway overnight. That is scheduled for Thursday night according to the VMS's. Once that's taken care of, we'll be halfway home and they can start on the northbound lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on March 13, 2013, 02:35:37 PM
Update on DFW Connector:

The new configuaration for southbound SH 121 approaching SH 114 and DFW Airport is open.
You now have to exit to a seperate carrigeway on the right to access DFW Airport and SH 114 EAST. There is an exit after that for Texan Tr/ NORTH SH 26 BUS SH 114. Continuing south goes onto SH 114 WEST/ SH 121 SOUTH

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F3132013cc012_zps58fa69a8.jpg&hash=82a85b02419a17d4576c788e024e43f97cca2fdf)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F3132013cc015_zps69cb6b1d.jpg&hash=a331851d0eff4f6a107fff9a76e5ccf250ff94cc)

Coming north out of DFW Airport:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F3132013cc017_zpsae456d36.jpg&hash=456a6e4f5dde00d006ec954f36afffe7a87f5c44)

Other items of intrest in the area:
The DART Orange Line is under construction to DFW Airport. This is the bridge over Airfield Dr:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F3132013cc007_zps4bcdc7ed.jpg&hash=be27ca8de864eae1e4a1fb9e14ed1213ef8f7a1a)

DFW Airport has put up some new route marker assemblies on Airfield Dr:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F3132013slr006_zps22a9a658.jpg&hash=dc6b0a50186f38652d6f2e62f6ca810cb62a9d72)

The intersection of Texan Tr/Ruth Wall finally got route marker signs. Unfoutunatly, they are all wrong.
Some have wrong information, some have TO information, but not the markers for the actual route.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F3132013cc025_zpsf712f6ab.jpg&hash=3fa7644e3638ffa8abc1d21d23dcfb2d2fc472e2)

The city of Grapevine does get props for this on-spec route marker assembly on Stars and Stripes Way (at Grapevine Mills Mall):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F3132013slr002_zpsca834114.jpg&hash=c3c33d5db5c2945cef45a67dc415e543f6d64143)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 08, 2013, 05:04:40 PM
Work begins on massive Horseshoe project to rebuild downtown Dallas freeways

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftransportationblog.dallasnews.com%2Ffiles%2F2013%2F05%2FHORSESHOEUPDATE.jpg&hash=7a9a3ee831fb2363fba99def96e99d992588eab4)

http://dallashorseshoe.com/ (upcoming project website)
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2013/05/work-begins-on-massive-horseshoe-project-to-rebuild-downtown-dallas-freeways.html/

This project will redo part of the downtown Dallas 'mixmaster' and the I-30 and I-35E bridges over the Trinity River; it will start with prep work for pilings for the bridges, with more visible construction work on the project to come later this year.  2017 is the current year given for completion.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on May 11, 2013, 07:35:59 AM
That's fast for a typical urban TxDOT project. The lanes through there are already narrow, so it shouldn't mean much more congestion if any, as long as the lane shifts aren't crazy like on 114.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on May 13, 2013, 04:04:09 PM
DFW Connector update:

Some of the permanant BGS and frontage road route marker assemblies have been installed. The frontage road route marker assemblies use the large markers, and include SH 26. Interestingly, the sign 26 as an E-W route, like it's signed NE of Grapevine. SW of Grapevine, it's signed as a N-S route.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F05132013005_zpsa6c4867d.jpg&hash=64ba1700aa73aeccd02e4fbe998b373e1a3a9b36) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/05132013005_zpsa6c4867d.jpg.html)

On the WB FR at the ramp to SH 26, the overhead sign leaves off SH 26; it only says "Ira E Woods Av". This is probably because there's a direct connection fron the WB mainlanes to SB SH 26; however, to me, the frontage road traffic still needs a SH 26 sign here.

On the EB frontage road E of Ira E Woods, there is a split with a route marker assembly with a left diagonal arrow in the middle of the split. This typically means "freeway left, frontage road right";however, I went to the right, and was dumped into a business parknig lot about 300ft later. This was total BS. This shouldn't be set up this way to begin with, but if it had to be, the signage definitely should've indicated that the road to the right was BUSINESS ACCESS ONLY.

There also were several lane closures/endings on the frontage roads that were not signed. Also, since the frontage roads have so many lanes now, it looks like it would be a good idea to put the turn/straight only signage overhead like Florida often does.

This looks like it will be nice when finished. I like that Texas is making new highways more asthetically pleasing by using colored bridges, brick islands, decorative lightpoles, ect.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Revive 755 on May 13, 2013, 08:32:31 PM
^ Is Texas switching from horizontal to vertical traffic signals also, or is the signal pictured above just a fluke?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 13, 2013, 08:52:45 PM
Not all areas of TX have horizontal signals on masts.  Some have vertical, while others have a mix of both.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on May 13, 2013, 10:38:34 PM
QuoteIs Texas switching from horizontal to vertical traffic signals also, or is the signal pictured above just a fluke?

TxDOT District 2 (Ft Worth) uses vertical, while all others (as far as I know) use horizontal. A few individual cities (Farmer's Branch, for example) also choose to mount their signal heads vertically.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on June 13, 2013, 01:02:43 PM
Concrete is being poured this week for southbound lanes of Preston Road north of Prosper. Judging by the progress of the earlier pour, that would mean it should be open to traffic by early October. However, weather should be more conducive to construction and this segment is more rural with fewer driveways, so maybe that means it'll open more quickly.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bassoon1986 on August 05, 2013, 03:25:30 PM
 Motorist confused by DFW Connector detour signs (http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/tarrant/Signage-Concerns-Along-The-DFW-Connector-218292001.html?c=n&fb=y&can=n)

I don't know why this one old guy thought it's so much worse than it has been. While that construction's been a mess, the signage has been helpful. You just have to go into it knowing that each time you drive through your lane configurations are probably different.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on August 25, 2013, 10:52:38 AM
The NTTA had posted a video showing the construction progress of Chisholm Trail formely known as Southern Parkway.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on September 09, 2013, 09:00:49 PM
Quarterly Preston Road update:

The southbound lanes are complete from just south of FM 455 all the way to the US 380 overpass. The segment between FM 455 and FM 1461 opened to traffic yesterday morning. I got up early and wanted to be the first to drive it, but alas, I was beaten to the punch.

That is about 2 1/2 months after the concrete was poured, which is pretty good. We had a really wet June while the pour was taking place, but since then it's hardly rained at all.

The northbound lane should go pretty fast once they start, since the terrain is favorable for minimal earthwork. So all told, the Prosper segment (which will be 6 lanes when completed) and the Celina segment (which is only 4) may finish at the same time. I believe April 2014 is the target date.

There is still a 4-mile stretch from FM 455 north to Celina High School that hasn't even started yet. There must be some utility work that's lagging behind, but the work zone signs have been up for most of the year.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on November 14, 2013, 09:29:52 PM
Just posted today... new flyover video of the I-635 redo from US 75 to I-35E.  Part of it is actual flyover, part stops along the way to check out behind the scenes construction work.  Oh, and *warning*, guess you'll have to forgive the cheeeezy version of the Dallas theme song in the background:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTSeviK2IFo
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: agentsteel53 on November 14, 2013, 09:35:34 PM


you need to do BBCode to embed a vid, not HTML.  the tag is "youtube" and "/youtube" - replace quotes with open and close square brackets.  it's also really finicky about the format of the URL.  yours is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTSeviK2IFo

to see the correct BBCode, reply-with-quote to this post.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on November 14, 2013, 09:42:56 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on November 14, 2013, 09:35:34 PM

you need to do BBCode to embed a vid, not HTML.  the tag is "youtube" and "/youtube" - replace quotes with open and close square brackets.  it's also really finicky about the format of the URL. 


That's what I tried to do originally, but wasn't sure of what else to put between the BBcode besides the original URL itself.  Oh well, too much internet puttering, not enough :coffee: :coffee:
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on January 09, 2014, 10:36:59 AM
Aerial photos of the DFW Connector.

(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1526846_577179199029081_956489205_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-b-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/5133_577179242362410_627934753_n.jpg)

(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1525153_577179202362414_1262818309_n.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on January 09, 2014, 07:39:40 PM
Dang, I wish I could get one or two of those photos for DFW Freeways ebook (www.DFWFreeways.com). But Northgate constructors has a super-strict policy of not releasing any images to the public for licensing. It is very difficult to get aerial photos of that area since it is immediately in the flight path of two busy runways. They must have made arrangements with DFW flight control.

The good news is that I was able to get a photo of the dedication ceremony and I have a good ground-level photo, and they will be included in the next update of the eBook which should be ready within a couple months.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on January 09, 2014, 10:54:26 PM
Those photos must've been taken on a Sunday, judging by how light the traffic is. With the additional lanes it's no longer bumper-to-bumper constantly, but traffic is a lot heavier than shown on normal weekdays.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on January 10, 2014, 03:01:59 PM
Is the DFW connector officially done?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on January 22, 2014, 10:20:30 PM
They have started work on the FM 2499 portion of the DFW Connector:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F01222014003_zpsc61b1b11.jpg&hash=77b3af117601456efbab7b5915b2dbe030d41d48) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/01222014003_zpsc61b1b11.jpg.html)

I-635 looking west at Welch Rd:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F01222014020_zps70ba0e19.jpg&hash=9173ce1ca9592f20dc96564d378c4f99c870ff19) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/01222014020_zps70ba0e19.jpg.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bassoon1986 on January 23, 2014, 10:34:04 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on January 22, 2014, 10:20:30 PM
They have started work on the FM 2499 portion of the DFW Connector:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F01222014003_zpsc61b1b11.jpg&hash=77b3af117601456efbab7b5915b2dbe030d41d48) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/01222014003_zpsc61b1b11.jpg.html)

Is that the ramp coming from NB 121 onto FM 2499? What are they adding there?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on January 24, 2014, 12:20:35 AM
Quote

They have started work on the FM 2499 portion of the DFW Connector:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F01222014003_zpsc61b1b11.jpg&hash=77b3af117601456efbab7b5915b2dbe030d41d48)



Is that the ramp coming from NB 121 onto FM 2499? What are they adding there?

Yes, that's taken on the ramp from SH 121 NB to FM 2499 NB. They are making FM 2499 a freeway from SH 121 to just north of Grapevine Mills Mall. They will also be adding a lane from the end of the future controlled access segment up to Gerault Rd, which will fix the merging problem there.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on February 25, 2014, 06:07:44 PM
NTTA agrees to be part of the TX 360 toll extension through Arlington and Mansfield

http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/02/19/5584026/tollway-authority-approves-its.html

This will only be a start ("start"=$300 million loan from TxDOT ....funny how they just got through saying they can only come up with $$ for 'maintenance'??  Yeah, right).  For the full eventual effect, including a desperately-needed interchange at US 287 (the current intersection has been the site of several wrecks, some ending in fatalities), would cost $625 million.  Plans are to start on this by next year and wrap up in 2018.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on April 05, 2014, 04:25:14 AM
Increasingly irregular Preston Road update:

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BkcYVL6CQAA8H89.jpg)

MSSEI have dragged their feet long enough on the southern part of the overall construction zone (and have made such rapid progress on the north part) that they now apparently aim to pour concrete in one go on the whole distance from the US 380 junction to Celina High School, a distance of 11 miles. (Probably their target all along.)

They have already started doing the pour on the southern end (after having the rebar laid and rusting since last November).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on April 05, 2014, 11:37:23 AM
The Dallas Morning News reports that the Chisholm Trail Parkway will open "throughout the day" May 11, and be completely open in time for the May 12 commute.  Some of the ramps are not yet constructed, but the main lanes will reportedly be open.  The story includes a quote from Michael Rey that seems to affirm the report.  The NTTA web site doesn't say anything about it, and their Facebook page specifically said that no date had been set as of March 28.  I haven't seen reports anywhere else, and Google and Bing can't seem to find any.

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/chisholm-trail-parkway-celburne-fort-worth-connector-to-open-may-11.html/ (http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/04/chisholm-trail-parkway-celburne-fort-worth-connector-to-open-may-11.html/)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 06, 2014, 12:06:26 AM
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1526846_577179199029081_956489205_n.jpg)

One thing I really like about this pic is that you can see the original abandoned SH 114 splitting off to the right. Just think...that little road was once sufficient to handle the traffic in this area.

The old road was two lanes...I counted 21 lanes total on the new road.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on April 09, 2014, 10:30:38 PM
NTTA is now confirming May 11 as the opening day for CTP, or at least the officially "anticipated" opening day.

https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/projprog/ChisholmTrail/Pages/CTP-Opening.aspx (https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/projprog/ChisholmTrail/Pages/CTP-Opening.aspx)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: SquonkHunter on April 10, 2014, 07:01:18 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 06, 2014, 12:06:26 AM
(https://scontent-a-ams.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/1526846_577179199029081_956489205_n.jpg)

One thing I really like about this pic is that you can see the original abandoned SH 114 splitting off to the right. Just think...that little road was once sufficient to handle the traffic in this area.

The old road was two lanes...I counted 21 lanes total on the new road.



I remember well back when TX 114 was two lanes all the way from Dallas out northwest past Grapevine. Used to go camping quite often at Grapevine Lake back in the 60s. Hard to believe just how much the DFW area has grown since I was a kid there in the 60s. Amazing. :wow:



Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 12, 2014, 05:20:17 PM
Work on the expansion of SH 121 north of the DFW Connector is finally underway and making progress. Based on schematics I've seen online, I believe it will be expanded from its current four main lanes to ten main lanes. I don't think there are any toll or HOV lanes.

The corridor width, which appears to be around 300 feet, is being widened around 100 to 150 feet to accommodate the expansion. These photos show work on the new right-of-way on the east side of the freeway. The new northbound frontage road will be in this strip.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20140412_121_0005-800px.jpg&hash=b953c33e0773ab1cc828f27e5be0843d989b802d)
This looks northbound (compass direction northeast) along the northbound feeder at Sandy Lake Road. Additional right-of-way is being acquired on the west side of the freeway.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20140412_121_0013-800px.jpg&hash=1a34effe35e88622105ff9ebb971eca5673c40e4)
This view looks northbound between Sandy Lake Road and Freeport Parkway with the existing northbound frontage road and freeway visible on the left.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20140412_121_0020-800px.jpg&hash=94e5cde5f7bfd855febc18483dce9b3ea44f44df)
This view looks northbound approaching Freeport Parkway
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 12, 2014, 11:57:29 PM
What the.... I honestly had no idea this was going to take place. This section was only upgraded to freeway in 2008 (if I remember correctly).
It is incredibly strange that they didn't move the northbound frontage road to it's final location during the last project and just leave space for expansion
in the middle.

Very, very strange.



Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 13, 2014, 04:53:39 AM
Here are a couple of screenshots I grabbed from the latest LBJ Express project update video.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FCP0adjc.jpg&hash=1e76cc655ef4329b09ce00c47c65ecbc915d89c8)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2Fl6kzHDo.jpg&hash=cb15c027417b37f3f55a1b4667762ee2d59d4c76)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FZlplzCf.jpg&hash=4dc507eca49a1454b8962affba43f132c359b00d)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLWtDUiGYTk
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on April 14, 2014, 12:50:20 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 12, 2014, 11:57:29 PM
What the.... I honestly had no idea this was going to take place. This section was only upgraded to freeway in 2008 (if I remember correctly).
It is incredibly strange that they didn't move the northbound frontage road to it's final location during the last project and just leave space for expansion
in the middle.

Very, very strange.

Those two traffic lights at Sandy Lake were a real bear. Putting the interchange there was long overdue. Sounds like TxDOT misjudged the rate of growth in that  area.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 14, 2014, 01:31:56 AM
QuoteThose two traffic lights at Sandy Lake were a real bear. Putting the interchange there was long overdue. Sounds like TxDOT misjudged the rate of growth in that  area.

Yeah they really were. Back then, I always wished they would close off the cross streets and remove the signals in order to keep traffic moving on SH 121, which is way more important than the cross street traffic.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on April 15, 2014, 03:06:24 PM
Whats the completion date for the LBJ project?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on May 10, 2014, 01:30:51 PM
The Chisholm Trail Parkway opens to traffic tomorrow. It's the first new toll road in Fort Worth since the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike.

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/05/09/chisholm-trail-parkway-opening-for-traffic/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on May 11, 2014, 01:20:41 AM
Quote from: Chris on May 10, 2014, 01:30:51 PM
The Chisholm Trail Parkway opens to traffic tomorrow. It's the first new toll road in Fort Worth since the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike.

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2014/05/09/chisholm-trail-parkway-opening-for-traffic/

I went to the ceremony Friday at the county line.  I'd never made it to one before, and it was mostly boring.  There was a bit of interesting historical insight from some of the older speakers, so overall it was worth going to.

Driving by the area tonight, I went a bit out of my way tonight to see the south end.  The "CTP" signs are up on US 67, or at least one is, at the southbound exit.

On a related note, the work zone signs are now up for the work on US 67 from Cleburne to Keene, upgrading it to a freeway and finally finishing the bypass.

Edit:  I plan to drive the whole thing tomorrow.  I didn't really plan to take photos anyway, but even if I did my camera's auto-focus feature has become an auto-blur feature (I think I left it in the car too many hot days), so I'll have no photos.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 11, 2014, 05:58:00 AM
I-35W - North Freeway work beginning in Fort Worth

Afternoon rush hour, looking south at the NB lanes
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.star-telegram.com%2Fsmedia%2F2014%2F05%2F01%2F18%2F56%2FcXe0b.St.58.jpeg&hash=db72054e3044671f1e8d11db1c8b06c2ff0b2b62)

Same timeframe, looking north on I-35W.  The interchange for I-820 is in the distance.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.star-telegram.com%2Fsmedia%2F2014%2F05%2F01%2F18%2F56%2FifTcW.St.58.jpeg&hash=cee5574e7a7851987b8c91a27e8edd95b8aa8501)

http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/05/01/5785536/orange-barrel-overdose-massive.html

Construction starts in 30 days, and will last till 2018.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 11, 2014, 06:01:37 AM
Homeowners near I-635 project say their homes are being affected by the nearby construction...

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/carrollton-farmers-branch/headlines/20140510-lbj-express-work-taking-toll-dallas-and-farmers-branch-homeowners-say.ece
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on May 11, 2014, 06:40:18 AM
Is the Chisholm Trail Parkway considered part of State Highway 121? I believe it was planned as such, but it doesn't have continous frontage roads.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on May 11, 2014, 08:46:09 AM
Quote from: wxfree on May 11, 2014, 01:20:41 AM

I went to the ceremony Friday at the county line.  I'd never made it to one before, and it was mostly boring.  There was a bit of interesting historical insight from some of the older speakers, so overall it was worth going to.


The main opening event for the CTP in Fort Worth was huge and definitely not boring. There were thousands of people there - at least 2000 in the 5K, another 2000 on bicycles and probably another couple thousand people for the kids events and accompanying participants. Large field areas were set aside for parking, and the main area fill up and overflowed to another pasture.

I took a large number of photos and will post some later today. This was the largest-ever freeway opening in Fort Worth. I'm going to update the DFW Freeways ebook http://www.dfwfreeways.com/ (http://www.dfwfreeways.com/)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 11, 2014, 09:21:21 AM
Quote from: Chris on May 11, 2014, 06:40:18 AM
Is the Chisholm Trail Parkway considered part of State Highway 121? I believe it was planned as such, but it doesn't have continous frontage roads.

It's supposed to be, but you'll only see TX 121 signs if there are any sections with service roads.  Otherwise you'll only see Chisholm Trail-NTTA signs, and it will be like TX 161 and TX 190, they are discontinuous since there's not full service road availability along the Bush Turnpike.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on May 11, 2014, 09:28:24 AM
Here are some photos of the opening event for the Chisholm Trail Parkway, Saturday May 10, 2014. The weather was nearly perfect (only windy) and the crowd was huge. Landscaping is not yet underway, but based on the some of the structures along the road for the landscaping, this looks like it will easily be the most extensively landscaped freeway/tollway in North Texas.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Fctp%2F20140510_ctp_c5564_tx_flag.jpg&hash=2cd158e71a54c6dc1ea84ace2802fcfc16cc901c)
The Texas flag flies on the bridge with the crowd at the staging area on Edwards Ranch Road below.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Fctp%2F20140510_ctp_c5529.jpg&hash=da0107e6bf35e0029aa3513a99d6becd68c0c8c9)
The bicyclists gather just before the three biking events.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Fctp%2F20140510_ctp_c5677.jpg&hash=b05d4dcd6e66fadf256c6d723d6e5407d7aa1a0d)
Bikers pass through the start.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Fctp%2F20140510_ctp_c5702.jpg&hash=ea40e8314de4692dc3869f4b2413f2bf5717767c)
View from Arborlawn Drive, about 2.5 km south.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Fctp%2F20140510_ctp_n_0292_looking_s.jpg&hash=723aa33b192dd18db9577e0d44cae7ae8713c6b8)
Looking south from Arborlawn. The IH 20 interchange (not yet finished) is ahead.
Click http://oscarmail.net/photos/ctp/20140510_ctp_n_0292_large.jpg (http://oscarmail.net/photos/ctp/20140510_ctp_n_0292_large.jpg) for a high resolution image and a better view.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Fctp%2F20140510_ctp_c5360.jpg&hash=d8bb8f5cf3954b9f42e69aa56669aefb064e31bd)
Runners gather for the 5K

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Fctp%2F20140510_ctp_c5421.jpg&hash=17fafac5cd774b46b398551af662be2785eeed93)
Runners going southbound

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Fctp%2F20140510_ctp_c5457.jpg&hash=f4293e61e0d01be7ebb8ae6272fb676dd0893195)
Runners returning northbound
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on May 11, 2014, 01:35:30 PM
Quote from: Chris on May 11, 2014, 06:40:18 AM
Is the Chisholm Trail Parkway considered part of State Highway 121? I believe it was planned as such, but it doesn't have continous frontage roads.

I wonder about that.  The SH 121 highway designation file describes the road as extending all the way to US 67, but the agreement with NTTA over building the road says that it's removed from the state highway system, like other NTTA roads.  Since there are no frontage roads, I'm not sure how to mesh those two things.  I haven't been to the area yet to see if they put up SH 121 signs along I-35W and I-30 connecting 121 with CTP.  I doubt they'll do that, but it'll give a clue if they do.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on May 11, 2014, 01:44:02 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on May 11, 2014, 08:46:09 AM
Quote from: wxfree on May 11, 2014, 01:20:41 AM

I went to the ceremony Friday at the county line.  I'd never made it to one before, and it was mostly boring.  There was a bit of interesting historical insight from some of the older speakers, so overall it was worth going to.


The main opening event for the CTP in Fort Worth was huge and definitely not boring. There were thousands of people there - at least 2000 in the 5K, another 2000 on bicycles and probably another couple thousand people for the kids events and accompanying participants. Large field areas were set aside for parking, and the main area fill up and overflowed to another pasture.

I took a large number of photos and will post some later today. This was the largest-ever freeway opening in Fort Worth. I'm going to update the DFW Freeways ebook http://www.dfwfreeways.com/ (http://www.dfwfreeways.com/)

The event I was referring to was the opening ceremony, on Friday morning on the road at the county line.  Current and former elected and appointed officials congratulating each other.  We were on the Tarrant County side, and some cattle were in a pen on the Johnson County side.  The ribbon cutting was with a piece of rope right along the county line.  It was mostly boring back-patting, but worth going to because of the historical insight and inside stories.

I was out of the area Saturday and didn't see the big event.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 11, 2014, 07:34:56 PM
More on the Chisholm Trail opening:
http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/05/03/5788132/chisholm-trail-parkway-ready-to.html
http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/05/11/5810864/slow-opening-for-chisholm-trail.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on May 11, 2014, 10:20:22 PM
Quote from: Chris on May 11, 2014, 06:40:18 AM
Is the Chisholm Trail Parkway considered part of State Highway 121? I believe it was planned as such, but it doesn't have continous frontage roads.

The south end of the road in Cleburne opened at about 7:15.  Northbound traffic is forced to exit to Montgomery St. since the connectors to I-30 aren't open yet.  The way south was blocked, so I paralleled the road until I got to an open southbound ramp, which was at FM 1902.  By that time someone was already going south from one of the open ramps to the north.

I quoted that because, when paralleling the parkway, I drove on a short stretch of southbound frontage road near I-20.  At at least one place it has Sam Rayburn Tollway-like signs, with a regular SH 121 sign above one that says "frontage roads only."  I'm pretty sure where I saw that was at Overton Ridge Blvd. on the northbound frontage road.  I didn't see any on the southbound road I drove on.  I guess that means there's about a mile-and-a-half of SH 121, disjointed from the rest of it, between Arborlawn Dr. and Overton Ridge Blvd.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwtbear on May 20, 2014, 11:11:12 PM
Dallas North Tollway to get additional lanes, new turnpike interchange.

See the article below for details:

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20140520-dallas-north-tollway-to-get-additional-lanes-new-turnpike-interchange.ece
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on May 23, 2014, 01:24:37 AM
Just noticed that Google Maps has tagged the Chisholm Trail Pkwy as SH 121.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on May 23, 2014, 02:20:38 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on May 23, 2014, 01:24:37 AM
Just noticed that Google Maps has tagged the Chisholm Trail Pkwy as SH 121.

I've been watching as they added pieces of the road to the maps, some mainlanes here and a ramp or two there.  You still can't get directions along the CTP, so it isn't fully in their systems yet.  They started showing the full length of the road just today (yesterday, Thursday).  I notice that they correctly show SH 121 along the frontage roads of the Sam Rayburn Tollway.  This road, without continuous frontage roads, and with no frontage roads at all except for a short piece, is more confusing.  TxDOT shows SH 121 as designated to US 67, but the mainlanes were removed from the state highway system in the agreement with NTTA.  I guess that means that if frontage roads are added in the future, those will be 121, as the current short frontage roads are.  My interpretation is that SH 121 exists southbound between Arborlawn and Overton Ridge, and northbound from Overton Ridge to the 183 north frontage road, and that it will exist along future frontage roads, if constructed.  Google's label may be more political than technical.  It may help people who expect "121" to be the new road, but since there are no signs showing that designation, except along the short frontage roads, it may be more misleading than helpful.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 24, 2014, 05:47:59 PM
Highway interchange still causes problems at rush hour

http://impactnews.com/dfw-metro/grapevine-colleyville-southlake/highway-interchange-still-causes-problems-at-rush-hour/

The way that the TX 114-TX 170 interchange has been built has caused some problems, mostly bottlenecking due to lane configuration.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 29, 2014, 07:11:33 PM
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/i-30-corridor-on-new-txdot-priority-list-but-u-s-75-looks-like-afterthought.html/

TxDOT's Dallas district discusses future area projects with local leaders

Here's a map showing what TxDOT wants to do, but funding isn't there for all of them yet.  The article unfortunately doesn't describe each project on the map in any real detail.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftransportationblog.dallasnews.com%2Ffiles%2F2014%2F05%2Ftxdotmap1.jpg&hash=8c62ffbb7c16bb7b11c66c4a79ca0e208f4e0a9a)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 29, 2014, 07:18:41 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftransportationblog.dallasnews.com%2Ffiles%2F2014%2F05%2FSh183.jpg&hash=c518d6d4a525b464ce109254f81b7534eef1c7ac)

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/05/state-approves-long-sought-renovation-of-state-highway-183.html/

Meanwhile, the TX Transportation Commission has voted to go on with plans to redo TX 183 between the south side of DFW Airport and I-35E.  Later this year, the work will start and is expected to finish up in 2018.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 12, 2014, 09:20:23 AM
The elevated toll lanes along I-35E will open to traffic soon.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lbjtexpress.com%2Fsites%2Flbjtexpresslanes.com%2Ffiles%2Flbj-phase_2_map.png&hash=5413a6dce772404c8bd567e9b004855cb9a59fae)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 12, 2014, 08:00:00 PM
Quote from: Chris on July 12, 2014, 09:20:23 AM
The elevated toll lanes along I-35E will open to traffic soon.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lbjtexpress.com%2Fsites%2Flbjtexpresslanes.com%2Ffiles%2Flbj-phase_2_map.png&hash=5413a6dce772404c8bd567e9b004855cb9a59fae)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dallasnews.com%2Fnews%2Ftransportation%2F20140709-nmc_08lbjexpansion_05.jpg.ece%2FBINARY%2Fw620x413%2Fnmc_08lbjEXPANSION_05.jpg&hash=e0acc92177c7b0c4ea44f8bf66da0b4b8cdd8175)

....but not this weekend, as apparently was planned.  Another week or so was needed by TxDOT to clear up 'finishing touches'.  The pic is of WB I-635 before I-35E, with the BWS displaying the variable toll rates to take the almost-open tolled express elevated lanes--when they are open. 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 12, 2014, 08:19:24 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftransportationblog.dallasnews.com%2Ffiles%2F2014%2F07%2F30DECKPARK.jpg&hash=9973955859f72027c722c306e9399f0afc0fcc14)

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/07/txdots-study-of-interstate-30-redo-will-consider-lowering-road-prepping-for-a-deck-park.html/

Meanwhile, across town, TxDOT is looking into the future possibility of lowering and decking I-30 east of downtown so it will 'reconnect' Fair Park with Deep Ellum, 2 areas that city leaders feel would be revitalized if I-30 weren't such a visible barrier.  The drawing is an imagined deck park and crossing for Exposition Avenue.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 12, 2014, 08:37:09 PM
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20140711-collin-county-officials-push-back-against-u.s.-75-toll-plan.ece
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2014/07/collin-county-leaders-ask-txdot-not-to-toll-central-hov-lanes.html/

Now, as if TxDOT didn't have enough bright ideas, they're trying to float the idea of tolling the US 75-N. Central Expwy. HOV lanes between Allen and I-635 in Dallas.  The linkies say Collin County, north of Dallas, has come out decidedly against the plan.  That comes on the heels of Richardson letting TxDOT know how they feel almost since the minute the possibility of the tolling plan hit the media.  The biggest thing about Richardson's objection is that when the HOV lane was implemented, there was no moves made to allow for openings to/from the HOV lanes within their city, and now still won't be with the tolling proposition.  Several people have expressed the opinion that US 75's HOVs would be better as free lanes, but the state says they'd have to return any Federal $$$ back to them if that were to happen.  So far, no firm decision has been made, but every time a tolling proposal has been brought up regarding the DFW area, it's usually rubber-stamped and made so (the controversial and yet-to-be-built (and I hope it's not!!!!) Trinity Parkway toll road not withstanding).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on July 15, 2014, 09:53:39 PM
Quote from: Chris on July 12, 2014, 09:20:23 AM
The elevated toll lanes along I-35E will open to traffic soon.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lbjtexpress.com%2Fsites%2Flbjtexpresslanes.com%2Ffiles%2Flbj-phase_2_map.png&hash=5413a6dce772404c8bd567e9b004855cb9a59fae)

Am I just not seeing it or is there no direct connection between the I35E elevated lances and the eastbound I635 toll lanes?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on July 15, 2014, 10:59:56 PM
Quote from: rte66man on July 15, 2014, 09:53:39 PM
Quote from: Chris on July 12, 2014, 09:20:23 AM
The elevated toll lanes along I-35E will open to traffic soon.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lbjtexpress.com%2Fsites%2Flbjtexpresslanes.com%2Ffiles%2Flbj-phase_2_map.png&hash=5413a6dce772404c8bd567e9b004855cb9a59fae)

Am I just not seeing it or is there no direct connection between the I35E elevated lances and the eastbound I635 toll lanes?

There is no such connection, since those lanes are not yet open.  Connections are planned for the managed lanes, main lanes, and frontage road, when everything is complete, as shown on this map  http://www.lbjtexpress.com/sites/lbjtexpresslanes.com/files/lbj_texpress_lanes_map_1.pdf (http://www.lbjtexpress.com/sites/lbjtexpresslanes.com/files/lbj_texpress_lanes_map_1.pdf)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 17, 2014, 09:15:54 AM
The I-35E elevated toll lanes opened to traffic last night.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsrY1E2CYAINmBs.jpg:large)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dariusb on July 18, 2014, 03:12:16 AM
^Looks like no one's using them.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on July 18, 2014, 09:29:06 AM
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BsrY1E2CYAINmBs.jpg:large)

The compressed, telephoto lens effect on this image makes the new I-35E Tex Express elevated toll lanes look like some kind of roller coaster ride.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on July 18, 2014, 08:56:02 PM
Are you SURE Exit 439 is for Royal Lane?  :sombrero:
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 22, 2014, 04:20:32 AM
http://res.dallasnews.com/interactives/batch_plant/

An inside look at the concrete-making process for the downtown Dallas 'Horseshoe' project.  Currently the completion is set for Summer 2017 for the redo of the I-30 and I-35E bridges over the Trinity River, as well as their meeting point in the Mixmaster.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on July 22, 2014, 08:38:08 PM
Quote from: txstateends on July 22, 2014, 04:20:32 AM
http://res.dallasnews.com/interactives/batch_plant/

An inside look at the concrete-making process for the downtown Dallas 'Horseshoe' project.  Currently the completion is set for Summer 2017 for the redo of the I-30 and I-35E bridges over the Trinity River, as well as their meeting point in the Mixmaster.


Wow. I had no idea.  This is a GREAT article.  THanks for sharing.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 31, 2014, 04:36:43 PM
Some linkies I found in a local forum:

Dallas Business Journal list of some of the upcoming DFW-area projects
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/blog/2014/05/more-large-highway-projects-and-toll-lanes-on-the.html?page=all

Map of current/future area projects, with timelines and co$ts (2 versions)
https://www.dallaschamber.org/files/2014DFWFactSheet/AroundtheRegion%20-%20Major%20Transportation%20Construction%20Projects2%20-%20180-181.pdf
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0273_040814_Dallas%20District%20Projects_WEBSITE%20White%20Paper.pdf
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Greybear on July 31, 2014, 06:56:34 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on July 18, 2014, 08:56:02 PM
Are you SURE Exit 439 is for Royal Lane?  :sombrero:

I double checked and yes, Exit 439 is for Royal Lane. 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 24, 2014, 04:44:37 PM
New I-635 project video released:



It starts with the new tolled ramps along I-35E that connect to I-635; then worksites at exits for Webb Chapel, Marsh, Midway, Dallas N. Tollway, and Preston; then the finished part east of the Preston exit.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on November 29, 2014, 06:36:36 PM
http://www.star-telegram.com/2014/11/29/6326129/i-30texas-360-interchange-in-arlington.html

A public meeting will take place this Tuesday at the Hilton hotel in Arlington, regarding plans for the I-30/TX 360 interchange.  The article says the interchange could be redone by 2018...but $200 million is needed and there is no funding yet.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Guysdrive780 on December 01, 2014, 08:06:45 AM
I 30 managed lanes you can't find almost nothing about it. 114 and 183 rebuilt from Dallas to the airport then anything else
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on December 02, 2014, 10:42:12 PM
Construction photos of the Interstate 35 expansion at Lake Lewisville and just to the south of the lake

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20141127_0141_bridge.jpg&hash=5b66d452cba0c85cd6b459ffb0a0e4a0ae6a2334)
Piers for the bridge are rising from the water

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20141127_0109.jpg&hash=079f54f370bb1c464185cc9b147a04107b62ba76)
Some piers on land already have the crossbeams in place.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20141127_0072_south_of_lake.jpg&hash=c644c587fd94517748187e03c5b4ee6f592afd34)
South of the lake, this shows the path for the new southbound lanes, which will be entirely elevated. Existing interstate is on the right.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20141127_0055.jpg&hash=48bc2da7a85eab0a63fa5590501de10331f2161a)
Looking northbound from the Garden Ridge road overpass, with the new southbound lanes visible on the left in the distance.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20141127_0059.jpg&hash=53b635c004272ddd7e92f1e62b43d1f4a3885dd6)
These buildings on the northwest corner of the Garden Ridge overpass are about to be demolished.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20141127_0153a.jpg&hash=82c71bf8408939f48a7d188a6d9267e387cc89a3)
This is where the new southbound lanes will be built at FM 407. Existing interstate is on the right.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20141127_0170.jpg&hash=fc51321d11006e0f150b8059e8870b913f706ae2)
Piers for the new overpass for the southbound lanes at FM 407.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Guysdrive780 on December 10, 2014, 07:04:21 PM
I would like to point some attention to the 635 expansion from US-75 to I-30. The plan calls to turn the HOV lanes into Toll Lanes. Now the plans show nothing changed. Just the tolls. Don't belive me Look
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/635_Schm01.pdf
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/635_Schm02.pdf
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/635_Schm03.pdf
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/635_Schm04.pdf
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/635_Schm05.pdf
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/635_Schm06.pdf
I don't want to support this. I was thinking maybe the HOV should switch to the washington system and maybe more people would use it. I don't think adding tolls would solve it. I think less people would use it if It was.

There is no real upgrade for 635 BTW
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on December 11, 2014, 01:32:47 AM
Pic by MaxConcrete:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20141127_0153a.jpg&hash=82c71bf8408939f48a7d188a6d9267e387cc89a3)

They have been paving here this week. The things near the middle appear to be drains. This would mean that they are on the line that separates the southbound lanes from the toll lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on December 11, 2014, 10:01:16 AM
Updated pics on the Horsehoe project.

http://dallashorseshoe.com/public-information/photo-gallery/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on January 08, 2015, 08:03:57 PM
Got several project update pics.

FM 2499 at Grapevine:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015013_zps2fb94a3a.jpg&hash=77f7600253b2aa95e636c868194417817a5faff3) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015013_zps2fb94a3a.jpg.html)

SH 114:
EB approaching Double Eagle:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015048_zps54c57ac1.jpg&hash=63b6dec47dbf7bd8a57d30d94360a173336bfb92) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015048_zps54c57ac1.jpg.html)

Looking W from Double Eagle overpass towards FM 156:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015036_zps43df8406.jpg&hash=c047f63aebbef4dd1969a131bf32f9fef5815f0c) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015036_zps43df8406.jpg.html)

Looking E towards I-35W:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015035_zpsf003fe34.jpg&hash=fafb03edf6a15a224f1b23505b0b0d8252dc1a98) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015035_zpsf003fe34.jpg.html)

Westbound at BNSF Alliance Yard Track Bridge:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015039_zps24686b76.jpg&hash=0646ff34d4b53e0274b8ded811af78df5e50fa0e) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015039_zps24686b76.jpg.html)

Work on the FM 156 interchange has not yet started.
The SH 170 interchange at Roanoke is completed.

Sign error WB SH 114 FR at Double Eagle. No Stop sign on left.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015033_zpsd4b95e16.jpg&hash=c3dc022ca6650cfe0349b4a0595c4a8ab231280b) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015033_zpsd4b95e16.jpg.html)

Sign errors WB ramp to BUSINESS 114. No stop sign on right, yield sign facing wrong traffic and too far forward.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015032_zps2d029f59.jpg&hash=1f43da8ea9afd64347cacae2c58652bb325c8cbc) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015032_zps2d029f59.jpg.html)

FM 1171 in W Flower Mound:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015052_zps188bc69a.jpg&hash=8f1c030297d2a5dc0ccd21763be34b28cbadad04) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015052_zps188bc69a.jpg.html)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015057_zpsbff29240.jpg&hash=818585e7e7c30ac9acb93a8ba36e66767494677a) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015057_zpsbff29240.jpg.html)

W of Tour 18 DR, they are putting a bridge where there was just a culvert before:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015058_zpsa9d2240e.jpg&hash=1ab76ab9451da42c32bf9159e5009b2653212825) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015058_zpsa9d2240e.jpg.html)

At the US 377/FM 1171 intersection, they have removed part of OLD US 377, and made it connect to US 377 south of FM 1171. (no pic)

On I-35W, green signage has been replaced, and the new type of exit sign with the number inside has been installed:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F182015050_zps07e0dcdb.jpg&hash=718803409622e06365077298fd367b0356017948) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/182015050_zps07e0dcdb.jpg.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on January 27, 2015, 09:51:38 AM
Horseshoe updates

http://dallashorseshoe.com/public-information/photo-gallery/aerial-photos-jan-2015-2/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on February 10, 2015, 12:07:10 AM
Steel sections for the Margaret McDermott bridge along IH-30 are now being positioned. Photos taken Sunday Feb. 8.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Faa-roads%2F20150208-horseshoe-9140-800.jpg&hash=06a28e200c7966d69031dc91c62988492e3d2553)
This is the west end of the south arch.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Faa-roads%2F20150208-horseshoe-9102-800.jpg&hash=eb9cd501a0ace9ae66e1627a2a29925b10b3ba75)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Faa-roads%2F20150208-horseshoe-9114-800.jpg&hash=3d6a13dac7eeff52f6c686731848c46615c8e3db)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Faa-roads%2F20150208-horseshoe-9126-800.jpg&hash=357546926d63c14d8dd8d5563afec8768b6bf753)
This view looking west shows the east end in the foreground, with the support tower in place but no steel in position yet.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Faa-roads%2F20150208-horseshoe-9136-800.jpg&hash=6d2a7722b16170c708cdfc9539e2c8f7f0261179)
This is on the north side for the westbound lanes. The abutment for the north arch is visible, as well as piers for the vehicle bridge.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Faa-roads%2F20150208-horseshoe-9153-800.jpg&hash=9bd425e1868dcdf862ba2d9d49939e0a71c44539)
Piers for ramps at the mixmaster.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on February 10, 2015, 12:49:51 AM
Quote from MaxConcrete:
QuoteSteel sections for the Margaret McDermott bridge along IH-30 are now being positioned. Photos taken Sunday Feb. 8.

Nics pics as always,man
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on February 15, 2015, 10:49:29 PM
The next section of the arch was placed in position Saturday

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2Faa-roads%2F20150214-0046.jpg&hash=2fdc598afd0599f55a46a85dc3a7616890c9d594)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwmapper on February 15, 2015, 10:56:31 PM
Does it seem to anyone else that we're wasting a lot of money on fancy bridges that serve no purpose? It's not like it's spanning a shipping channel.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on February 15, 2015, 11:31:08 PM
Quote from: dfwmapper on February 15, 2015, 10:56:31 PM
Does it seem to anyone else that we're wasting a lot of money on fancy bridges that serve no purpose? It's not like it's spanning a shipping channel.

The signature bridges are purely for show and status. After all, it is Dallas (known for superficiality and pretentiousness). The Margaret Hunt Hill bridge (visible in the background) carries traffic, but the new arched bridges will carry the pedestrian bridges only due to financial constraints. I seem to recall the cost for the twin arched pedestrian bridges was around $96 million (but don't quote me on that number - it does seem very high). It would have cost much more to support the traffic lanes with signature designs. The planned signature bridge on the new I-35E crossing (also under construction as part of the Horseshoe project) was canceled due to cost.

The larger purpose of the bridges is to renew interest in downtown Dallas and revitalize blighted areas west of the river. The Margaret Hunt Hill bridge seems to be successful so far. There is a new and very successful restaurant area called Trinity Groves at the west end of the MHH bridge, and plans have been announced for new apartment complexes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on February 16, 2015, 01:18:54 PM
The original purpose of the bridges were, yes for show, but they were also supposed to span the original park vision with minimum interruption to the park and lakes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on February 19, 2015, 08:10:11 AM
Latest video of LBJ Express work:

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: roadman65 on February 19, 2015, 09:10:13 AM
Quote from: dfwmapper on February 15, 2015, 10:56:31 PM
Does it seem to anyone else that we're wasting a lot of money on fancy bridges that serve no purpose? It's not like it's spanning a shipping channel.
It is called progress!  We progress forward into different things, but progress backwards in morality! 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: NE2 on February 19, 2015, 09:13:07 AM
Quote from: roadman65 on February 19, 2015, 09:10:13 AM
We progress forward into different things, but progress backwards in morality! 
lol dongs
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: brownpelican on February 22, 2015, 12:46:50 AM
Besides the controversy regarding the arched spans, the Horseshoe project looks to be coming along very nicely.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on February 23, 2015, 03:39:19 PM
Yeah, the progress is coming along with the Horseshoe Project. One thing I don't like about it though: the way the bridge piers look. The rounded appearance of those things looks a little strange and kind of plain at the same time. But I guess they'll go with the curvy look of those new pedestrian bridge arches the big hoop on the Margaret Hunt Hill bridge.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on March 30, 2015, 09:31:26 PM
The first section of steel for the east side of the arch is now in position. Photos taken 3/28/2015

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20150328-0024-800.jpg&hash=2b7fd7cccd70d4d559c74b7f679f59636f77f9e1)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20150328-0005-800.jpg&hash=75fec5740aeb0a436a14f58e34fe90f3ea00d7e4)

This is a view of the expansion of US 75 at Eldorado Parkway in McKinney. Photo taken 3/29/2015
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20150329-east-tx-9384-800.jpg&hash=14e53e0dbd1984394a1cf053d654099cc43a4cc0)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on March 31, 2015, 01:07:10 AM
75 is supposed to be complete through McKinney by the end of this year. They'd better get on the stick. Bad weather has multiple projects behind schedule in DFW.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on April 02, 2015, 05:26:58 AM
good to see so much construction after years of what felt like only the toll-roads in DFW got any love.  Now we're about to get I-35E south of downtown rebuilt.  Perhaps I-30 may actually find some funding next session.  Probably the freeway most overdue for a makeover in all of North Texas.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 02, 2015, 03:30:02 PM
The Dallas North Tollway widening to eight lanes:

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 13, 2015, 10:07:41 PM
Photos from Friday, April 10

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20150410-0025-800.jpg&hash=170ce2ca53343478e327f8b3d1d5bc1d3c5f3eb8)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foscarmail.net%2Fphotos%2F20150410-0011-800.jpg&hash=3cf79766d7fb4e7dee1e0f574a972346cf046dab)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 20, 2015, 09:25:03 AM
The LBJexpress project on I-635 between I-35E and US 75 now is announcing completion by September 10.  It had initially announced a potential finish by December of this year.

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/new-lbj-freeway-will-open-to-drivers-sept-10.html/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Guysdrive780 on August 20, 2015, 12:40:34 PM
Quote from: txstateends on August 20, 2015, 09:25:03 AM
The LBJexpress project on I-635 between I-35E and US 75 now is announcing completion by September 10.  It had initially announced a potential finish by December of this year.

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/new-lbj-freeway-will-open-to-drivers-sept-10.html/
I kind of knew it would open early. Looking at the project videos they looked like they are almost done
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 21, 2015, 11:57:18 AM
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/ntta-expanding-toll-roads-in-dallas-denton-collin-counties.html/

The NTTA is (and will be) adding a lane each way to these Dallas-area tollroad sections.

Current work:
* Bush Turnpike, Dallas N. Tollway to US 75
* Dallas N. Tollway, Bush Turnpike to TX 121-Sam Rayburn Tollway

Pre-construction bidding:
* Bush Turnpike, I-35E to Dallas N. Tollway
* Bush Turnpike, US 75 to TX 78
* Dallas N. Tollway, I-635 to Bush Turnpike (don't know how they'll pull this one off without narrowing the existing lanes and doing away with the precious-little median and shoulder spots there are)

Pre-construction environmental engineering work:
* TX 121-Sam Rayburn Tollway, Bus TX 121 to US 75


Also, the NTTA will be contributing $$$$ toward the cost of redoing the US 75/Bush Turnpike interchange.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 22, 2015, 11:11:03 AM
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2015/08/with-first-mcdermott-arch-done-new-dallas-skyline-takes-shape.html/

The middle/last piece of the first arch on the Margaret McDermott bridge on I-30 west of downtown Dallas went up earlier today.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 03, 2015, 12:26:47 PM
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2015/09/txdot-warns-of-major-traffic-shift-on-eb-i-30-near-downtown-dallas-starting-saturday.html/

I-30 EB approaching downtown will get lane-shifted beginning this Saturday.  Included in the fun will be new right-exit ramps to all exits off I-30 to I-35E NB and SB and local/downtown streets.  No more left-exit for I-35E's NB exit.

Nice YT video included from KXAS/5, a nice wide helicopter tour along I-30 approaching downtown including the Horseshoe project construction (which has 2 more years to go, BTW), finishing with a great wide look at downtown and Uptown-Victory.  There's no voiceover or sound included with the vid.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 06, 2015, 09:45:49 AM
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20150905-lbj-freeways-new-managed-toll-lanes-open-thursday-heres-how-to-navigate-them.ece

This Thursday, the new managed (toll) lanes on I-635 in north Dallas will open.  There are 3 pix of the completed sections and a map/chart on how everything will connect, included in the article (sorry, I'm not on a computer where I can do cut/paste on many things).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on September 09, 2015, 09:43:21 PM
Photos of LBJ. The toll lanes open tomorrow

Roadside views showing the newly rebuilt regular lanes and the managed lanes
http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/roadside-lbj-express (http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/roadside-lbj-express)

Driving views
http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/driving (http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/driving)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgoogledrive.com%2Fhost%2F0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc%2Fi635%2Froadside%2F20150905-06_dfw-0098-1050.jpg&hash=615a0b72a52d4dc99298c8941e0de25c2625c304)
Managed Lanes at Midway Road.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgoogledrive.com%2Fhost%2F0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc%2Fi635%2Froadside%2F20150905-06_dfw-0052-1050.jpg&hash=0a4de50a2e16e45d23a6b32131c47eb8ca7bf47f)
Regular lanes and managed lanes looking east at Rosser Road.
 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: TXtoNJ on September 09, 2015, 10:05:09 PM
Most impressive facility in the country, IMO. Wish the Katy Freeway reconstruction had been half as well engineered as this one.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on September 09, 2015, 10:25:29 PM
Quote from: TXtoNJ on September 09, 2015, 10:05:09 PM
Most impressive facility in the country, IMO. Wish the Katy Freeway reconstruction had been half as well engineered as this one.

There's nothing else like it in the United States, as far as I know. But the complexity probably added around $1 billion to the cost as opposed to going wider like the Katy Freeway. Personally, I prefer a super-wide right-of-way at ground level like the Katy Freeway.

I'm actively involved with TxDOT in the public involvement phase of Houston's planned massive downtown rebuild and I-45 north rebuild. It will have some heavily engineered sections around downtown and North Main -- and the expected price tag is around $6 billion.
http://www.houstonfreeways.com/analysis (http://www.houstonfreeways.com/analysis)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on September 09, 2015, 11:16:41 PM
Concerning the Westbound I-635 connections to I-35E:

It looks like the I-35E toll lanes are emphasized over the free lanes, with the exit for the toll lanes coming before the exit for the free lanes, and especially the fact that 3 lanes exit to the toll lanes, but only one lane exits to the NB I-35E free lanes, despite that being a high-volume movement.

I'm not accusing them of doing this with the ramp for the toll lanes coming first, because that was more out of necessity However, it looks to me like they have too many exit lanes for TOLL I-35E. I don't think they really need three. Also, this is inconvenient for WB I-635 drivers to have to move over two lanes in heavy traffic to avoid exiting into the I-35E TOLL Lanes.

It will be interesting to see just how much traffic uses the I-35E TOLL Lanes, and whether three exit lanes to them is really justified.

Concerning the signage...the wording around the I-35E TOLL shield is too small and not legible. It's odd that the top panel is green and says "EXPRESS LANES", but on BGS for other toll roads, including the DNT just a few miles prior, the top panel is yellow, and reads "TOLL ROAD", which better informs drivers of the toll.

The way this signage is laid out, drivers could easily not realize this exit is for the toll lanes.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2FVac.8.2015.SD.2%2520097_zpsxjaq1nvg.jpg&hash=4515e92e6b770afc43e0c124a2deffcdc311d4ae) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/Vac.8.2015.SD.2%20097_zpsxjaq1nvg.jpg.html)


Otherwise, you gotta admit this is pretty cool. It's like having two freeways on top of each other.
The concrete slopes on either side of the toll lanes would look pretty cool with water flowing over them in a thin sheet, like a spillway. After that thought, my mind went to a the earthquake ride at one of the Orlando theme parks (forget which one) where it simulated being on a subway during an earthquake, and water pours in.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgoogledrive.com%2Fhost%2F0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc%2Fi635%2Froadside%2F20150905-06_dfw-0098-1050.jpg&hash=615a0b72a52d4dc99298c8941e0de25c2625c304)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 10, 2015, 07:51:13 AM
More about today's reveal of the I-635 redo:

http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/20150909-editorial-zippier-glitzier-version-of-lbj-needs-its-own-instruction-manual.ece

An open house was held last night at the Wyndham Garden hotel near I-635/Josey:

http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2015/09/08/lbj-express-holding-public-open-house-today/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Rothman on September 10, 2015, 08:16:00 AM
I'd hate to be TxDOT when all that is ready for replacement in the future.  Going over/under like that sets them up for the troubles NY has been having with its aging urban viaducts currently.  It's nice they were able to handle the construction costs and tolls will probably help, but it'll still probably cause headaches when the time comes.

Always nice to kick the can down the road a generation or two. :D
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on September 10, 2015, 10:02:03 AM
Are they going to paint the columns or leave them cement white? It is an engineering feat, I remember when first proposed, I could not grasp what they were envisioning.

This is what needs to happen to I-35 going through downtown Austin.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Henry on September 10, 2015, 11:27:12 AM
You know, having elevated toll lanes over the free ones is not a bad idea at all! I agree, I-35 in Austin could use a similar treatment.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: TXtoNJ on September 10, 2015, 11:49:07 AM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on September 09, 2015, 10:25:29 PM
Quote from: TXtoNJ on September 09, 2015, 10:05:09 PM
Most impressive facility in the country, IMO. Wish the Katy Freeway reconstruction had been half as well engineered as this one.

There's nothing else like it in the United States, as far as I know. But the complexity probably added around $1 billion to the cost as opposed to going wider like the Katy Freeway. Personally, I prefer a super-wide right-of-way at ground level like the Katy Freeway.

I'm actively involved with TxDOT in the public involvement phase of Houston's planned massive downtown rebuild and I-45 north rebuild. It will have some heavily engineered sections around downtown and North Main -- and the expected price tag is around $6 billion.
http://www.houstonfreeways.com/analysis (http://www.houstonfreeways.com/analysis)


Been keeping up with your work on HAIF - enjoying it thoroughly.

I get where you're coming from on I-10 - I just hate every morning having to deal with the massive weaving issues that create backups all along the route, due to the half-implemented express lane setup and excess number/proximity of entrance ramps. The LBJ seems to address the first of these concerns through the multi-level design that allows for right-on right-off express lane access.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on September 10, 2015, 06:17:07 PM
Quote from: longhorn on September 10, 2015, 10:02:03 AM
Are they going to paint the columns or leave them cement white? It is an engineering feat, I remember when first proposed, I could not grasp what they were envisioning.

This is what needs to happen to I-35 going through downtown Austin.

I would guess below ground stays white while above ground has the Dallas beige treatment.  The NTTA seems to have adopted the new white look since the east portion of PGBT.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Anthony_JK on September 10, 2015, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: longhorn on September 10, 2015, 10:02:03 AM
Are they going to paint the columns or leave them cement white? It is an engineering feat, I remember when first proposed, I could not grasp what they were envisioning.

This is what needs to happen to I-35 going through downtown Austin.

I'm seriously wondering whether this could work for I-10 through Baton Rouge as well....though it would be a bit different since the latter would remain at grade rather than sunken below.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwtbear on September 11, 2015, 06:19:55 AM
I wonder if the lengthy bridges from the 635 project will be very problematic in the winter.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: TXtoNJ on September 11, 2015, 09:33:57 AM
Quote from: dfwtbear on September 11, 2015, 06:19:55 AM
I wonder if the lengthy bridges from the 635 project will be very problematic in the winter.

Dallas only gets icy weather for about two weeks a year, so it won't be too much of a problem.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Henry on September 11, 2015, 11:33:16 AM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on September 10, 2015, 07:24:37 PM
Quote from: longhorn on September 10, 2015, 10:02:03 AM
Are they going to paint the columns or leave them cement white? It is an engineering feat, I remember when first proposed, I could not grasp what they were envisioning.

This is what needs to happen to I-35 going through downtown Austin.

I'm seriously wondering whether this could work for I-10 through Baton Rouge as well....though it would be a bit different since the latter would remain at grade rather than sunken below.
I was thinking the same thing for the Downtown Connector in Atlanta! Most of that freeway is at grade itself, and building a bridge high enough to avoid disrupting the cross streets will be a challenge due to its nature, although I think tunneling underground would be more expensive.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Alex on September 11, 2015, 04:34:11 PM
Justin drove the new LBJ Express lanes this morning and passed along some photos to me today. I posted some of them on the AARoads FB page: https://www.facebook.com/aaroads/posts/10153668828282948
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on September 11, 2015, 08:35:26 PM
Holding the phone here for a second, what about Project Pegasus? Will I-30, I-35E, and I-45 be reconstructed? Project Pegasus is a dead plan now, and TXDOT planned to finish it by September 2010. Uh oh.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Guysdrive780 on September 11, 2015, 11:27:14 PM
Project Pegasus still exist. Its just in smaller segments. Like the Horseshoe Project
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Alex4897 on September 12, 2015, 04:27:53 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on September 09, 2015, 11:16:41 PMAfter that thought, my mind went to a the earthquake ride at one of the Orlando theme parks (forget which one) where it simulated being on a subway during an earthquake, and water pours in.

Disaster Studios in Universal Studios perhaps?  That was always a fun attraction, it closed abut four days ago for good though.  It's been demoed to make way for a Fast and Furious attraction.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on September 13, 2015, 12:09:27 PM
Quote from: Guysdrive780 on September 11, 2015, 11:27:14 PM
Project Pegasus still exist. Its just in smaller segments. Like the Horseshoe Project
It seems it had got canceled.

http://www.dallasobserver.com/news/so-wait-project-pegasus-is-dead-7104977

This Dallas Observer (source) article dates to March 3rd, 2011. This article is four years old (tad outdated), and it says TXDOT doesn't have enough money to continue the project. This is the most up to date article I found. I'll see if I can get another article.

And....I did. November 15th, 2012.

Source: Dallas Morning News

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/tag/project-pegasus/

Project Pegasus is officially dead. 

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on September 13, 2015, 07:46:32 PM
As Guysdrive780 noted, Project Pegasus may no longer exist as a single administrative umbrella, but projects are expected to proceed independently as funding becomes available, which will be possible if/when proposition 7 passes in November.

The Canyon reconstruction and widening is or will be added back into the regional plan (Mobility 2040). That means it is back to life, although construction is not imminent
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0365_120314_The%20Canyon%20White%20Paper.pdf (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0365_120314_The%20Canyon%20White%20Paper.pdf)

The environmental process for the I-30 east corridor, which ties into the Canyon, has resumed
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0355_112414_I-30%20%26%20US%2080%20Project.pdf (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0355_112414_I-30%20%26%20US%2080%20Project.pdf)

Lower Stemmons is a candidate to receive $100 million in proposition 1 money in 2017 for the construction of collector-distributor lanes
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nctcog.org%2Ftrans%2Fcommittees%2Frtc%2F2015%2F09Sep%2FRef.Itm_7.rtc091015.pdf&hash=aafbee14a97956d37e722af9b8fabd9656b540b5)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on September 13, 2015, 08:36:02 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on September 13, 2015, 07:46:32 PM
As Guysdrive780 noted, Project Pegasus may no longer exist as a single administrative umbrella, but projects are expected to proceed independently as funding becomes available, which will be possible if/when proposition 7 passes in November.

The Canyon reconstruction and widening is or will be added back into the regional plan (Mobility 2040). That means it is back to life, although construction is not imminent
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0365_120314_The%20Canyon%20White%20Paper.pdf (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0365_120314_The%20Canyon%20White%20Paper.pdf)

The environmental process for the I-30 east corridor, which ties into the Canyon, has resumed
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0355_112414_I-30%20%26%20US%2080%20Project.pdf (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/sites/default/files/docs/0355_112414_I-30%20%26%20US%2080%20Project.pdf)

Lower Stemmons is a candidate to receive $100 million in proposition 1 money in 2017 for the construction of collector-distributor lanes
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nctcog.org%2Ftrans%2Fcommittees%2Frtc%2F2015%2F09Sep%2FRef.Itm_7.rtc091015.pdf&hash=aafbee14a97956d37e722af9b8fabd9656b540b5)
I-45 and Dead Man's Curve (US 175 where it turns from/to S. M. Wright to C. F. Hawn Freeway) were planned to be reconstructed in Project Pegasus. However, nothing on TXDOT's website shows that they were gonna be a priority project, or else it would be on there.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on September 14, 2015, 03:01:30 AM
There is a separate website for the US 175 project: http://www.smwrightproject.org/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Henry on September 14, 2015, 11:28:00 AM
I think the only concern would be that the sunken lanes will face the risk of being flooded in a bad rainstorm. Other than that, it's such a cool thing to see.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on September 15, 2015, 07:15:22 PM
Quote from: Chris on September 14, 2015, 03:01:30 AM
There is a separate website for the US 175 project: http://www.smwrightproject.org/
Whoa. Whoa. They're demolishing a freeway that is the only way to go east of Dallas, then replace it with an arterial? Is TXDOT not thinking straight today? Why not just keep US 175 on a freeway through Dallas?

My solution: the connection to I-45 would become US 175, then demolish the S. M. Wright Freeway and call the arterial US 175 Business. That way, US 175 is connected with its parent in some way.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on September 15, 2015, 09:03:37 PM
They are re-routing it before tearing down the old one. The new routing will be a more logical direct connection to I-45. The current setup is a relic, and it utilizes the old US 75.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: us175 on September 16, 2015, 11:03:20 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on September 15, 2015, 07:15:22 PM
Quote from: Chris on September 14, 2015, 03:01:30 AM
There is a separate website for the US 175 project: http://www.smwrightproject.org/
Whoa. Whoa. They're demolishing a freeway that is the only way to go east of Dallas, then replace it with an arterial? Is TXDOT not thinking straight today? Why not just keep US 175 on a freeway through Dallas?

My solution: the connection to I-45 would become US 175, then demolish the S. M. Wright Freeway and call the arterial US 175 Business. That way, US 175 is connected with its parent in some way.

TxDOT *might* designate it as an extension of TX 310 after the conversion, but I've heard nothing of that angle, so I'm guessing it will be a city-level arterial (for now).

There's been no movement since 1988 to 'reunite' US 75 with US 175.  If there is ever a push to extend I-45 farther north, my guess is that the US 75-US 175 separation would be longer, due to the de-designations of US route overlaps with their I-counterparts in most cases in TX.

The thing that concerns me about the future/new west terminus, is that all the schematics have shown south-to-east and west-to-north ramps, nothing serving the south to/froms.  I realize the great majority of flow is what is proposed, but there should be a north-to-east/west-to-south choice for traffic there, especially if it is to be a true terminus.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwmapper on September 16, 2015, 07:48:57 PM
North to east and west to south ramps are unfeasible because of the Trinity (and the forest) being right there. Those movements are superfluous anyway. The neighborhood west of White Rock Creek can use Lamar or Pennsylvania to access I-45. Those east of White Rock and the Trinity use Loop 12 or I-20.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Guysdrive780 on September 27, 2015, 04:50:12 PM
So I was looking for the Semitic and ROW maps for the Midtown Express. There not avaliable on the websites. But after a google search I found them on Txdot's Website. Here they are. Its well Hidden I can say that.

http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/dallas/sh183/schematics.html

After I did some investigating. I finally know how they will do the tolling system and how they will charge drivers for having 1 person in the car and not charge people with 2 or more in the car. I thought they would introduce a new devise. It just happens that you get in a lane depending on the amount of people in your car, and in the 1 person lane, you get charges and there will be a camera for that. The other lane is free. Hmm, I can't see how someone can abuse that system hmm?

I will keep digging to find 114's semantics. Just give me some time. I asked for them from Txdot myself
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on September 27, 2015, 10:38:34 PM
Also, I think all of Loop 12 should be freeway. It's a freeway between S. Polk St. and Dallas North Tollway. That's about a third of Loop 12. It'd also give Dallas a complete beltway, since I-635, I-35E and I-20 is the beltway, and Loop 12 is just one number.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on September 28, 2015, 03:56:24 AM
I think you meant Northwest Highway.  Good luck with ever getting any kind of freeway through Preston Hollow and the Park Cities.  Even tunnels.  Laura Miller would destroy TxDOT.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Guysdrive780 on September 28, 2015, 06:23:40 AM
Quote from: noelbotevera on September 27, 2015, 10:38:34 PM
Also, I think all of Loop 12 should be freeway. It's a freeway between S. Polk St. and Dallas North Tollway. That's about a third of Loop 12. It'd also give Dallas a complete beltway, since I-635, I-35E and I-20 is the beltway, and Loop 12 is just one number.
Though the rich people neborhood? I wish but I am afraid that's impossible. University Park would not be in favor of that.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on September 28, 2015, 10:14:00 PM
I'm surprised how TxDOT can cram things in, yet they don't commit to even finish the freeway (unless that freeway portion of Loop 12 is intentionally supposed to be like that). If you can build the High Five, you can cram in a freeway. Toll it, then it's good to go. *cough* Houston *cough*
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on September 29, 2015, 01:52:14 AM
You may be able to get away with making Loop 12 a freeway south of I-30 and in the Trinity River basin, but never through North Dallas.  It runs through some of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the state of Texas.  This area has rejected tunnels for light rail and a pass through.  They regularly reject high rises in areas zoned for high rises.  They've fought changes to make Northwest Highway more effecient.  They are just anti-development if it isn't suburban retail or mansion/estate building in that area. 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwmapper on September 29, 2015, 10:35:40 AM
The southern leg of Loop 12 would never be made into a freeway either. It's redundant with I-20 right there, plus the Trinity crossing is right near a bunch of parks and preserves and would never get past the EIS stage.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on September 29, 2015, 03:24:06 PM
Was it intended that Loop 12 between S Polk and DNT was supposed to be a freeway?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on September 29, 2015, 11:24:58 PM
Quote from: dfwmapper on September 29, 2015, 10:35:40 AM
The southern leg of Loop 12 would never be made into a freeway either. It's redundant with I-20 right there, plus the Trinity crossing is right near a bunch of parks and preserves and would never get past the EIS stage.

The part of the Trinity Basin(West Fork) that I was talking about is where its Walton Walker.  But just from driving it often, I would say from where it branches off from Spur 408 in the west, all the way to where it hits US 175 and becomes Buckner, I see little reason that it couldn't be a freeway.  For the majority of that route, even through the Great Trinity Forest, there is a really wide ROW like it was being reserved to be a freeway in the future.  Some parts even have wide grass median and enough room for a couple of lanes of frontage.   The traffic in that area currently doesn't justify it, but that would probably be seen as a huge development opportunity.

Don't get me wrong, I think NW Highway would benefit greatly from being a freeway.  Even something small like Westpark Tollway in Houston.  The traffic on NW Highway can simply be horrendous.  Would love to see a 2+2 trench all the way from where Walton Walker ends until I-30 across North Dallas if money was no object.  Maybe have the surface street cantilevered over it like LBJ has done with the free lanes.  Obviously it would have to resurface at times, but imagine not stopping at every light. 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on September 30, 2015, 11:05:38 AM
I think there's other areas in Dallas more in need of freeway upgrades than Loop 12. I'd certainly like to see some of the unfinished super-highway projects in the area finished finally.

The TX-114 freeway ends at US-377 in Roanoke. The freeway really needs its main lanes extended farther West past Texas Motor Speedway, especially now that the road in front of the speedway was expanded with a median wide enough to hold a freeway. The TX-114 freeway needs to go farther West than that, over the RR tracks at FM 156 (where the current expansion ends) and past Northwest High School. Optimally, TX-114 should be a freeway all the way to the US-287 junction in Rhome. And US-287 ought to be a freeway facility at least to Decatur.

Speaking of US-287 in the Dallas area, that road really should be a complete freeway from Fort Worth to the I-45 intersection in Ennis. Most of it is Interstate quality already, but there are gaps between Mansfield and Midlothian as well as another non-freeway gap between Midlothian and Waxahachie. Some of the biggest problems are between Waxahachie and Ennis. The final bit of US-287 just before I-45 dumps down from a freeway style facility to just 2 measly lanes. It doesn't make any sense. The US-287 corridor between DFW and Amarillo is pretty busy with both long haul truck and freight rail traffic. IIRC it was eyed as a possible "I-32" in the future.

Then there's TX-360 South of Dallas. The ROW in the median is already available. They just have to build it from Sublett Rd down to the US-287 intersection. Thank goodness they built that portion of TX-360 as a 4-lane divided road with a median wide enough to hold a future freeway. There is a lot of development going on around that corridor now. If the median hadn't been preserved in the past the concept of building a freeway there now would be totally impossible. If only the lunkheads here in Oklahoma could plan ahead like that. Oklahoma City is getting stupidly boxed in at various places, making any kind of future expansions of the Kilpatrick Turnpike more and more expensive and politically problematic as development continues around Mustang, Tuttle and Norman.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on September 30, 2015, 12:31:12 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on September 30, 2015, 11:05:38 AM
I think there's other areas in Dallas more in need of freeway upgrades than Loop 12.

Loop 12 has the traffic already.  I don't think those areas need it more, but they are probably more realistic.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on September 30, 2015, 03:30:37 PM
TX 114 could be a freeway until the Denton/Wise county line. It would make a freeflow movement to I-35W than stoplights, and a bigger interchange.

US 287 could be freeway between I-40 and the Ellis county line.

TX 360 has the extension to US 67 proposed, but TXDOT doesn't seem to be keen on extending it...
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on October 06, 2015, 11:04:33 PM
I-35E Denton Co Update:

At Corinth Pkwy and FM 407, all traffic is now on the SB new bridges over the cross street.

In Denton, on the narrow ROW section, they have cleared for a wider ROW and are about to start on the new frontage roads.

They have done a few big F*** ups recently.

An orange BGS calls FM 1515 "COUNTY 151"

The SB exit for FOX Ave was striped to suggest that you could not turn right to the jughandle for Fox Ave from the exit ramp.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on November 21, 2015, 02:55:19 PM
Reviving this thread. I've laid my eyes on Project Pegasus, and check out the construction camera views.

http://dallashorseshoe.com/about/project-earthcam/

Source is dallashorseshoe.com

So they update the imagery every 15 minutes (still no new imagery although it's 2:45 PM here in Chambersburg), and work is coming along nicely. They expected this to open in summer 2017, it could open earlier. Texas' freeway projects seem to always open early and under budget.

Here's the views if you went to the website:

(starting left to right)
CAM 1: I-30 just west of the Mixmaster near the McDermott. The view faces the Trinity River waterfront.
CAM 2: Bridge #38 - the McDermott Bridge facing east back towards the Mixmaster.
CAM 3: A panorama of the Mixmaster. The ramp at the far right also needs a fix, as you can see a clog of cars.
CAM 4: Left and center (I believe) is I-30. Running under is I-35E.
CAM 5: Bridge #38 - this time facing west towards Fort Worth.
CAM 6: A more zoomed out version of CAM 5. It shows I-30 running west with the Mixmaster in the bottom left corner.
CAM 7: Bridge #1-9 - I believe this is I-35E running south of the Mixmaster. Another thing could be that is a panorama of the old Trinity River bridge on I-30.
CAM 8: I think this is I-35E SB showing it running through the Mixmaster.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 21, 2015, 05:04:27 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on November 21, 2015, 02:55:19 PM
Reviving this thread. I've laid my eyes on Project Pegasus, and check out the construction camera views.
http://dallashorseshoe.com/about/project-earthcam/
Source is dallashorseshoe.com

The earthcam seems to be unavailable at this moment, but the collection of aerial photos is quite impressive
http://dallashorseshoe.com/photos/aerial-photos/ (http://dallashorseshoe.com/photos/aerial-photos/)

For example, this photo shows the new bridge for I-30 which will be about four times as wide as the existing bridge.
(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/aaroads/rgl_4063.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on November 21, 2015, 05:11:41 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 21, 2015, 05:04:27 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on November 21, 2015, 02:55:19 PM
Reviving this thread. I've laid my eyes on Project Pegasus, and check out the construction camera views.
http://dallashorseshoe.com/about/project-earthcam/
Source is dallashorseshoe.com

The earthcam seems to be unavailable at this moment, but the collection of aerial photos is quite impressive
http://dallashorseshoe.com/photos/aerial-photos/ (http://dallashorseshoe.com/photos/aerial-photos/)

For example, this photo shows the new bridge for I-30 which will be about four times as wide as the existing bridge.
(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/aaroads/rgl_4063.jpg)
Probably because they want it to have Texpress lanes. The clearance is too low for them to do it like I-635 did, so I think that's why it's so much wider (looks like 14 or 16 total lanes, 4 free lanes each way, 4 Texpress each way).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on February 09, 2016, 08:16:47 AM
This project is a couple of years old, but I'm posting these photos of the TX-114 freeway that was widened as part of the North Tarrant Express project that I took back in November of last year.

Easterly view along Highway 114 passing beneath the eastbound lanes of Highway 121:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FTX%2F114%2FTX114_dv_377-7_east_Nov15.jpg&hash=6c363a39b8c8d4608c752599c8cfee7259175e58)

Hwy 114 looking westerly from the William Tate overpass:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FTX%2F114%2FTX114_cl_377_west_WB_Nov15.jpg&hash=a00b355409f4f4d70511b3ea886a5c1c44f5333c)

Easterly view along Hwy 114 and 121 from the Texan Trail overpass:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FTX%2F114%2FTX114_cl_378-8_east_EB_Nov15.jpg&hash=8cbdc9c4f59770c1f4a876bfdb09b5b3d75295b1)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FTX%2F114%2FTX114_dv_379-3_east_Nov15.jpg&hash=77d92e075429bca486bed01be3ec41a38db2eb51)
Easterly view at the split between Hwy 121 and 114 near the Airport.

The entire collection, and high-resolution images can be found here:
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/TX/114/index.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on February 09, 2016, 12:34:49 PM
you mean, the DFW Connector? 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rantanamo on February 09, 2016, 12:41:14 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on November 21, 2015, 05:11:41 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 21, 2015, 05:04:27 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on November 21, 2015, 02:55:19 PM
Reviving this thread. I've laid my eyes on Project Pegasus, and check out the construction camera views.
http://dallashorseshoe.com/about/project-earthcam/
Source is dallashorseshoe.com

The earthcam seems to be unavailable at this moment, but the collection of aerial photos is quite impressive
http://dallashorseshoe.com/photos/aerial-photos/ (http://dallashorseshoe.com/photos/aerial-photos/)

For example, this photo shows the new bridge for I-30 which will be about four times as wide as the existing bridge.
(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/aaroads/rgl_4063.jpg)
Probably because they want it to have Texpress lanes. The clearance is too low for them to do it like I-635 did, so I think that's why it's so much wider (looks like 14 or 16 total lanes, 4 free lanes each way, 4 Texpress each way).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Foakcliff.advocatemag.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2015%2F03%2FMcDermottBridge.jpg&hash=7d35247b71da5b2215dc7bd04167a8692c8cb238)

The reason it will be so wide is because it has seperate east/west bike/pedestrian crossing, 8 frontage lanes, 1 reversible HOV land and 10 mainlanes for for 19 car lanes and 21 total lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on February 09, 2016, 12:48:53 PM
Quote from: rantanamo on February 09, 2016, 12:41:14 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on November 21, 2015, 05:11:41 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 21, 2015, 05:04:27 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on November 21, 2015, 02:55:19 PM
Reviving this thread. I've laid my eyes on Project Pegasus, and check out the construction camera views.
http://dallashorseshoe.com/about/project-earthcam/
Source is dallashorseshoe.com

The earthcam seems to be unavailable at this moment, but the collection of aerial photos is quite impressive
http://dallashorseshoe.com/photos/aerial-photos/ (http://dallashorseshoe.com/photos/aerial-photos/)

For example, this photo shows the new bridge for I-30 which will be about four times as wide as the existing bridge.
(snipped)
Probably because they want it to have Texpress lanes. The clearance is too low for them to do it like I-635 did, so I think that's why it's so much wider (looks like 14 or 16 total lanes, 4 free lanes each way, 4 Texpress each way).

(snipped)

The reason it will be so wide is because it has seperate east/west bike/pedestrian crossing, 8 frontage lanes, 1 reversible HOV land and 10 mainlanes for for 19 car lanes and 21 total lanes.
I heard that this is a start for a Texpress lane system throughout all of DFW, and it would start at I-35E and run to Fort Worth. Is that correct?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on February 09, 2016, 01:03:02 PM
Quote from: rantanamo on February 09, 2016, 12:34:49 PM
you mean, the DFW Connector? 

I guess I do.  I had mistakenly thought that all of the tolled express lanes in that part of the county were being built under that umbrella.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on February 09, 2016, 01:09:59 PM
Great photos of the DFW Connector.

Here's a comparison of FM 2499 (Grapevine Mills Parkway) that's apparently the last leg of the DFW Connector project.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FVrj9AHL.jpg&hash=6680ee704ed15b4b917d13486bc75316ff46ca0e)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on March 03, 2016, 04:13:45 PM
Sorry to bump, but there are a couple of questions I have about the NTE:

1) Why did TXDOT take a lot more ROW than needed for the toll lanes on TX 121/183? the freeway/ROW is over 400 feet in some places.

2) Couldn't they have put the Texpress lanes under TX 121/183 to save space rather than taking a lot of land, and also widening TX 121/183 in the process?

3) If I'm wrong with both questions, did this have less of a budget than I-635's Texpress lanes?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on March 03, 2016, 09:41:17 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 03, 2016, 04:13:45 PM
Sorry to bump, but there are a couple of questions I have about the NTE:

1) Why did TXDOT take a lot more ROW than needed for the toll lanes on TX 121/183? the freeway/ROW is over 400 feet in some places.
The only substantial corridor widening was from Hurstview to Norwood. Elsewhere along the corridor, right-of-way acquisition was minimal.
A wide corridor is needed to fit all the lanes, up to 400 feet in places but I think sections are less, maybe 350 feet wide.

Quote

2) Couldn't they have put the Texpress lanes under TX 121/183 to save space rather than taking a lot of land, and also widening TX 121/183 in the process?
Stacking the lanes would have been much more expensive. This is a toll project, which is more sensitive to cost than non-toll projects. On I-635, the stacking was needed because of a policy of minimal right-of-way acquisition (yes, that was also a toll project but determined to be toll feasible).
Quote
3) If I'm wrong with both questions, did this have less of a budget than I-635's Texpress lanes?
Yes, the budget was less. It was around $1.15 billion for that phase of construction of the NTE, and Texpress lanes on I-635 started at $2.7 billion had a final cost around $3 billion.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on March 03, 2016, 09:57:44 PM
How many people here have used the new westbound-to-southbound connector in the Mixmaster?  You probably get accustomed to it, but I've only been there twice (and generally wouldn't be there more than once every few years), and to me it seems really steep.  It has to be steep to get from I-30 down low and cross over the through lanes, but that slope combined with the curve makes it feel like a roller coaster.

My grandmother, who's very afraid of heights, has been over the highest bridge at I-35W and I-20, which is high, but the slope is so smooth and consistent that she doesn't notice the height unless it's pointed out (she doesn't like it being pointed out).  I've done a bit of climbing in the Guadalupe Mountains and in the Big Bend, and I've stood at the top of a couple of cliffs thousands of feet high.  I have no fear of heights, but even I find that ascent and curve a little intimidating.  I'd hate to be stuck in stop-and-go traffic on that climb with a manual transmission.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: noelbotevera on March 03, 2016, 10:01:22 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on March 03, 2016, 09:41:17 PM
Quote from: noelbotevera on March 03, 2016, 04:13:45 PM
3) If I'm wrong with both questions, did this have less of a budget than I-635's Texpress lanes?
Yes, the budget was less. It was around $1.15 billion for that phase of construction of the NTE, and Texpress lanes on I-635 started at $2.7 billion had a final cost around $3 billion.
That makes sense, as you said that stacking the lanes are more expensive. For I-635, it seems they had enough money to do that.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on March 13, 2016, 03:57:19 PM
I-35E Lake Lewisville Bridge:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F3.13.2016.slr%2520013_zpssmehlbhw.jpg&hash=4bc7aca7fcdbe4c4c7c40c4697338915066f7320) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/3.13.2016.slr%20013_zpssmehlbhw.jpg.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: brownpelican on March 18, 2016, 12:03:10 AM
What are we looking at here? Six lanes southbound only?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on March 29, 2016, 11:05:20 PM
I drove around DFW Saturday and here are some observations

Horseshoe (I-35E/I-30 interchange)
Lots of piers in place at the interchange. The south arch is done. The north arch is in progress.

SH 183 Midtown Express (Irving)
Mostly in the right-of-way preparation and utility relocation phase. There are a couple short sections of westbound frontage road in place. The frontage road is asphalt, not concrete. Piers are going up at the Loop 12 interchange, with a large straddle bent underway.

Fort Worth North Tarrant Express I-35W downtown to US 287 split
A major work zone, with lots of traffic shifts on the main lanes. Multiple ramps under construction downtowan and at I-820

I-35E Express
The new southbound bridge over Lake Lewisville is mostly complete. At the 35E/121 interchange, the WB to NB ramp is mostly done. Other ramps are in various states of early work, with several piers in position. Along the main lanes, work is mostly in early to mid phases.

US 75 McKinney
Complete for a few miles north of SH 121/Sam Rayburn Tollway. Work is still underway on the north end, and nearing completion

I-30/SH 360 interchange
Right of way clearing and preparation in progress, no actual construction yet

SH 121 Grapevine (expansion to 5x5)
The project is proceeding at a glacial pace, surely to the dismay of commuters who get stuck in the backups (formerly me when I worked in Grapevine 2014-2015). The base for the northbound lanes is mostly complete. Three braided ramps are mostly complete.

SH 360 south Toll main lanes
Work is underway at numerous locations along the corridor, with substantial earth-moving at certain locations and nothing started yet at other locations.

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i30-dallas/construction/20160325-27-0079-1050.jpg)
I-30 WB at Horseshoe

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i30-dallas/construction/20160325-27-0085-1050.jpg)
Margaret McDermott Bridge

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/sh183/construction/20160325-27-0393-1200.jpg)
Looking north along Loop 12 at SH 183 at a large straddle bend under construction. I'm thinking steel must be expensive since this long span is being built in concrete.

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i35e-north/construction/20160325-27-0249-950.jpg)
Looking northbound along I-35E at the southern end of the new Lake Lewisville bridge structure. The structure and deck is mostly complete along the main length.

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i35e-north/construction/20160325-27-0173-950.jpg)
I-35E/SH 121 interchange. The four new ramps are all long and two will be high.

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i35e-north/construction/20160325-27-0160-950.jpg)
I-35E/SH 121 interchange
(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i35e-north/construction/20160325-27-0170-950.jpg)
I-35E/SH 121 interchange
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on April 02, 2016, 07:20:09 PM
@MaxConcrete, did you get to see how the I35E is progressing around Belt Line Rd? 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 02, 2016, 10:19:49 PM
Quote from: rte66man on April 02, 2016, 07:20:09 PM
@MaxConcrete, did you get to see how the I35E is progressing around Belt Line Rd? 
Northbound traffic was moved to the new structure last week. Southbound traffic was already on the new structure.

There are also many piers in place to bring the frontage roads over the railroad tracks

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2016/03/i-35e-closures-lane-shift-coming-as-belt-line-intersection-gets-a-lift-literally.html/ (http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2016/03/i-35e-closures-lane-shift-coming-as-belt-line-intersection-gets-a-lift-literally.html/)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on April 06, 2016, 08:50:41 AM
TTC has ordered a 75 mph speed limit on the managed lanes along I-635.  I would expect that the company would be eager to post signs for an increase, so they may already be up.

The one time I used the lanes it was a bit of a challenge to go the current speed limit of 70.  I pretty much stayed in the left lane and passed other traffic the whole time.  A couple of times I was slowed down a bit.  I jumped into the lanes to avoid a big slowdown that was visible ahead, so the traffic in them may have been a little heavier than usual for a Saturday.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 18, 2016, 10:11:38 PM
I was stuck at home today due to the flooding in Houston, so I posted some North Texas photos that I took three weeks ago.

Interstate 35W North Tarrant Express. This is a large and complex construction zone
http://dfwfreeways.com/i35w/construction-2016-march (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35w/construction-2016-march)

Driving US 75 through McKinney. Most work was recently completed and some work is still in progress on the north end. Does anyone know if the new southbound main lanes are open through Melissa? (they looked just about ready on March 26)
http://dfwfreeways.com/us75/driving-mckinney (http://dfwfreeways.com/us75/driving-mckinney)

SH 183 Midtown Express
http://dfwfreeways.com/sh183/construction-midtown-express (http://dfwfreeways.com/sh183/construction-midtown-express)

And here's what's left of the Ghetto Club, which was cleared for the US 175 realignment in south Dallas.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgoogledrive.com%2Fhost%2F0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc%2Fus175%2Froadside%2F20160325-27-0073-1050.jpg&hash=0bc391676ed92b1e48855b198ef3e890d0061bce)
The freeway realignment will come through this spot. The construction contract has been awarded.


Ghetto Club in 2014
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fgoogledrive.com%2Fhost%2F0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc%2Fus175%2Froadside%2F20140111_0074-1050.jpg&hash=7cfbcd50dc0719524ac30202a2c87d1b98bb16b1)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 20, 2016, 12:04:33 PM
Nice update!

Judging by Google Earth, they left some space in the median for a future expansion to ten lanes. Bridges which carry US 75 already have concrete in the median for an additional lane.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FBETM5ia.jpg&hash=3ee327072bca998c5124d3a8338eff931cd56bdd)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on April 20, 2016, 05:42:55 PM
The main lanes on the north end of the US 75 project opened a couple of weeks ago, but they're still limited to two lanes each way. The frontage road work, though, is lagging way behind and there's virtually no access to Melissa northbound except by getting off on SH 121.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on April 29, 2016, 03:46:45 PM
Here's a presentation on the Southern Gateway project, for which a design-build contract is being sought.  I-35E would be expanded from 8 lanes to 10, plus two reversible managed lanes.  US 67 would be expanded from 6 to 8, with on reversible managed lane.  This project includes non-tolled managed lanes.  The way it was explained is that the managed lanes would serve as general purpose lanes with limited access.  I would think this means they're express lanes, not exactly managed, that would pass by entrance and exit ramps and associated slowdowns.

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/commission/2016/0428/9-presentation.pdf (http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/commission/2016/0428/9-presentation.pdf)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on April 30, 2016, 12:27:48 PM
http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2016/04/new-i-30i-35e-connection-will-forever-change-downtown-traffic-flows-starting-this-weekend.html/

Horseshoe (downtown Dallas I-30/I-35E improvements) update::::

Lane changes beginning this weekend include--

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftransportationblog.dallasnews.com%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F04%2FHorseshoeWB30.png&hash=e814878c8622429e20bb7ecd8052e492fd3617b4)

I-35E SB at I-30 WB, the I-30 WB exit will be a RIGHT exit for the first time since I-30's path was built in the 1950s as the DFW Turnpike (about f'in time!!), AND, it will be a 2-lane ramp connection (the old left-exit ramp was a 1-lane ramp).

I-30 WB ramp from Riverfront, has been replaced and is open again.

Reunion Blvd. ramp to WB I-30, will close as part of the left-exit I-35E SB to I-30 WB ramp closure.  Go west on Reunion to Riverfront, then left; at the I-30 WB ramp, turn right.

WB Commerce St. connection to I-35E SB and I-30 WB, will be temporarily closed.  Stay on Commerce to Riverfront (ex-Industrial Blvd.), then left, then take the I-30 WB ramp (right turn) from Riverfront.  An eventual direct ramp will be built to connect Commerce to your choice of I-30 WB or I-35E SB without the mixing and weaving crap.

I-30 WB before I-35E, lane shift to the right onto new pavement near the Akard St. overpass.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 17, 2016, 10:23:45 AM
More Horseshoe fun......

http://transportationblog.dallasnews.com/2016/05/i-30-exit-into-the-cedars-downtown-closing-for-months.html/?_ga=1.103046336.1734877826.1453035262

The I-30 EB exit to Lamar will close this Friday, and won't reopen till this fall.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on May 21, 2016, 10:04:07 PM
The April photo update for the Horseshoe project is an impressive collection

http://dallashorseshoe.com/aerial-photos-april-2016/ (http://dallashorseshoe.com/aerial-photos-april-2016/)


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallashorseshoe.com%2Fwp-content%2Fgallery%2Fapril-2016%2Frgl_2158.jpg&hash=19907a85b1dd9448c35c7a6631947e7dfb218d01)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on May 22, 2016, 12:19:25 PM
Great photo collection!
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on May 22, 2016, 01:52:49 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on May 21, 2016, 10:04:07 PM
The April photo update for the Horseshoe project is an impressive collection

http://dallashorseshoe.com/aerial-photos-april-2016/ (http://dallashorseshoe.com/aerial-photos-april-2016/)


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallashorseshoe.com%2Fwp-content%2Fgallery%2Fapril-2016%2Frgl_2158.jpg&hash=19907a85b1dd9448c35c7a6631947e7dfb218d01)

The traffic going westbound or coming toward the observer has been shifted to the new westbound lanes on the new bridge.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on June 02, 2016, 11:26:17 PM
At the I-35/635 interchange, the tolled overpasses are painted shades of brown, will the rest of the interchange be painted the same color too? Is the interchange due for a replacement?
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.9142109,-96.8996615,3a,75y,154.44h,77.15t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s79XIFpz7PcGtP-ljxOncZQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.9082772,-96.8973217,3a,75y,68.12h,90.05t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sT8jllq6fVjOAykcnt0VzPg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.9069916,-96.8981065,3a,60y,1.36h,91.91t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sVDWgJU6DhBBGoWLFrIoqsg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

The mix of brown paint and non brown is odd.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on June 17, 2016, 04:20:15 PM
New Horseshoe (I-30/I-35E interchange) lane change update:::::

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20160616-just-when-you-figured-outi-30-i-35e-txdot-moves-your-lanes-again.ece

Effective today,
* Be in the left lane for I-35E continuing SB
* Be in the middle lane for I-35E SB to I-30 EB

Effective Saturday,
* Be in the right lane on I-30 continuing EB (not the left lane anymore) before you get to the Margaret McDermott Bridge.  This will lead to the lane arrangement at the east end of the bridge, of I-30 EB to I-35E NB using the left lane, the Commerce St. exit using the center lane, while those continuing EB on I-30 will take the right lane.

Also this weekend,
* On I-30 EB, the exit ramp to Beckley Ave. and the entrance ramp from Sylvan Ave. will change places.  The exit to Beckley will come up before the entrance from Sylvan will.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on July 03, 2016, 11:18:13 PM
Photos taken today

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/sh183/construction/20160702_03-0264-1150.jpg)
July 4 Special: SH 183 at Loop 12, the Midtown Express project
Highres: https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/sh183/construction/20160702_03-0264-2560.jpg (https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/sh183/construction/20160702_03-0264-2560.jpg)

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/sh183/construction/20160702_03-0294-1150.jpg)
July 4 Special: SH 183 at Loop 12, the Midtown Express project
Highres https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/sh183/construction/20160702_03-0294-2560.jpg (https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/sh183/construction/20160702_03-0294-2560.jpg)

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i35e-north/construction/20160702_03-0137-1050.jpg)
IH-35E at SH 121/Rayburn Tollway
Highres https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i35e-north/construction/20160702_03-0137-2560.jpg (https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i35e-north/construction/20160702_03-0137-2560.jpg)

(https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i30-dallas/construction/20160702_03-0353-1150.jpg)
Looking west along the abandoned original IH-30 main lanes, which are in the process of being demolished. At the west end, a section of eastbound lanes are already gone. In the highres view you can see the unusual design of the lampposts.
Highres https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i30-dallas/construction/20160702_03-0353-2560.jpg (https://1968d90e831cd27d2017897e0c81e9a12852eb10.googledrive.com/host/0B4gwdXQk1LyieHZHSTBqd0VJSnc/i30-dallas/construction/20160702_03-0353-2560.jpg)

More Horseshoe construction photos
http://www.dfwfreeways.com/i30-dallas/construction-horseshoe (http://www.dfwfreeways.com/i30-dallas/construction-horseshoe)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on July 23, 2016, 08:53:16 AM
The north arch structure is now complete

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dallasnews.com%2Fincoming%2F20160722-1469234181-nm_22mcdermottpiece2.jpg.ece%2FBINARY%2Fw940%2F1469234181-NM_22McDermottPiece2.jpg&hash=d29dd71de8a997af1912f521e24d33cd70ca98d1)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dallasnews.com%2Fincoming%2F20160722-1469234876-nm_22mcdermottpiece1.jpg.ece%2FBINARY%2F1469234876-NM_22McDermottPiece1.jpg&hash=38a542f912994550bee85ebf8106470455978e4d)

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20160722-downtown-dallas-newest-signature-bridge-finally-gets-its-second-arch.ece (http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20160722-downtown-dallas-newest-signature-bridge-finally-gets-its-second-arch.ece)

"Construction crews early Friday capped the second arch on the new Margaret McDermott Bridge, which is where Interstate 30 now spans the Trinity River. The 350-foot-high twin arches sit on either side of the highway bridge, above what will eventually be pedestrian and bicycle paths. Between them will be the new I-30 main lanes and managed lanes.

"The bridge is part of the ongoing, $800 million Horseshoe Project, a rebuild of where I-30 and Interstate 35E come together downtown. The entire project is expected to be completed next year. The second arch still lacks cables that connect its steel curves to the actual bridge span."
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on July 29, 2016, 02:13:17 PM
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20160729-i-30-toll-lanes-from-grand-prairie-to-dallas-opening-monday-to-commuters.ece

The unused reversible lane in the median of I-30 from Grande Prairie to Dallas will be put into operation next Monday.

According to Google Earth historical imagery, some portions of the reversible pavement was already built over 15 years ago, for example 2001 imagery around MacArthur Blvd already shows the express lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 30, 2016, 11:58:45 AM
Quote from: Chris on July 29, 2016, 02:13:17 PM
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20160729-i-30-toll-lanes-from-grand-prairie-to-dallas-opening-monday-to-commuters.ece

The unused reversible lane in the median of I-30 from Grand Prairie to Dallas will be put into operation next Monday.

According to Google Earth historical imagery, some portions of the reversible pavement was already built over 15 years ago, for example 2001 imagery around MacArthur Blvd already shows the express lanes.

This is the first time in almost 40 years that tolls will be charged on any part of I-30 between Dallas and Fort Worth (since the tollbooths were removed marking the end of the DFW Turnpike era).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on August 05, 2016, 04:49:18 PM
The company rebuilding I-35W in northern Tarrant County wants to extend the project all the way across the county.  I believe this, or some of it, would require legislative authorization for a comprehensive development agreement, and NTTA would have the right to take the project if they wanted it (although they've refused all managed lanes projects).  The southern portion could compete with Chisholm Trail Parkway for toll payers, or allow drivers to avoid tolls on the less congested free lanes.  The proposeded expansion of the project also includes more access to and from the managed lanes at I-30 and downtown.

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/your-commute/article93561727.html (http://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/your-commute/article93561727.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on August 05, 2016, 04:58:16 PM
What's the reason that the NTTA doesn't do managed lanes?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on August 05, 2016, 05:19:54 PM
Quote from: Chris on August 05, 2016, 04:58:16 PM
What's the reason that the NTTA doesn't do managed lanes?

I have no idea.  I'd be interested to find out.  The videos of the meetings don't go back very far.  It would be nice to hear the discussions when they refused these projects.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwmapper on August 06, 2016, 09:53:31 PM
NTTA pools all the money and risk for all their roads together. Taking on another billion or two in debt for an unproven mechanism like express lanes would hurt their ability to build projects they actually want, like extensions of DNT, PGBT, and SH 360, and if traffic volumes didn't meet the projections, they'd still be on the hook for that money. Better to let Cintra (or anyone dumb enough to buy bonds from the shell company Cintra set up, anyway) eat it.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on August 13, 2016, 07:41:55 PM
This month's NTTA board meeting agenda includes: "Vendor selection for the following: A. Environmental engineering services on the President George Bush Turnpike Western Extension third lane widening project from IH 20 to IH 30."

I don't know how long it might take for this vendor selection to lead to actual construction, but the movement toward widening the road is beginning.  The bridges are wide enough for six lanes.

As a side note, the agenda also includes official approval of the speed limit increases on Chisholm Trail Parkway, discussed elsewhere.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 30, 2016, 05:25:57 PM
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2016/08/30/first-of-1-3b-in-congestion-relief-projects.html

A postponed part of the DFW Connector work is about to get going, affecting mainly the TX 121/TX 360 interchange and the connections nearest to it.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on August 31, 2016, 11:37:50 PM
Quote from: txstateends on August 30, 2016, 05:25:57 PM
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2016/08/30/first-of-1-3b-in-congestion-relief-projects.html

A postponed part of the DFW Connector work is about to get going, affecting mainly the TX 121/TX 360 interchange and the connections nearest to it.

Apparently they can launch the project under the existing design-build contract, and no bidding process is needed. The DFW Connector was completed in 2013, so I'm surprised the original contract was still in play. But it did allow a quick start. I wasn't expecting work to begin until next year.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on September 01, 2016, 11:34:13 AM
http://dallashorseshoe.com/aerial-photos-aug-2016/

Latest pics of the Horshoe are up, almost all of the old bridges are gone.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 08, 2016, 08:25:45 AM
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20160907-it-s-done-new-i-35e-bridge-over-lewisville-lake-opens-to-southbound-drivers-saturday.ece

The replacement I-35E SB bridge spanning Lake Lewisville is finished, and will open Saturday.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on September 08, 2016, 09:59:40 AM
Quote from: txstateends on September 08, 2016, 08:25:45 AM
http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/20160907-it-s-done-new-i-35e-bridge-over-lewisville-lake-opens-to-southbound-drivers-saturday.ece

The replacement I-35E SB bridge spanning Lake Lewisville is finished, and will open Saturday.

So the original bridge pictured on the right will stay and be converted to all northbound lanes? Odd, but it will save money.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on September 08, 2016, 02:50:36 PM
My understanding is that the original bridge will carry northbound lanes for now, but will be replaced during phase II of the project, whenever they get the $$$ together for it.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on October 20, 2016, 07:44:42 AM
A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday for the SH 199 upgrade between Fort Worth and Azle. Construction won't start until early 2017 though. They will construct the main lanes at two locations where traffic currently uses the frontage roads (Nine Mile Bridge Road & Hanger Cut-Off). They also mention something about Western Center Boulevard, I'm not sure where that is.

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/your-commute/article109133122.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on October 20, 2016, 12:31:36 PM
The TX-199 corridor NW of Fort Worth is something of a cluster****. Looking at it from Google Earth/Maps it's easy to tell the original ambition building was a complete freeway from I-820 in Fort Worth to some point past Azle toward Jacksboro. Instead the road turned into a piece-meal mix of freeway segments and frontage roads with freeway-wide medians, with small segments of freeway finished only when the political winds blew in that direction. Politics and business demands allowed encroachment of the potential freeway's right of way in a few places.

Next to I-820 a bunch of businesses went up in an area on the South side of TX-199 in space that seems originally intended to hold a freeway to freeway interchange. The freeway-wide median on TX-199 was preserved West of the intersection with Paul Meador Road. A bunch of businesses are built East of that intersection leading to I-820.

There is still a pretty large open space available for a freeway interchange for TX-199 and I-820. But several businesses make such a thing a very tight squeeze: Braums, Kwik Kar Lube, O'Reilly Auto Parts and a Car Wash, Lube & Detail business. I don't know if those businesses would have to be demolished or if ramps could span around or over the top of them, kind of like a couple ramps at the TX-121 & TX-114 interchange in Grapevine. If the main lanes were elevated and literally straddled over the intersection of NW Center Drive and the South TX-199 Access Road it might work. Still, Braums at the very least might have to be demolished to make room.

At some point TX DOT will have to deal with that interchange project.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on October 21, 2016, 10:37:48 PM
Quote from: Chris on October 20, 2016, 07:44:42 AM
A groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday for the SH 199 upgrade between Fort Worth and Azle. Construction won't start until early 2017 though. They will construct the main lanes at two locations where traffic currently uses the frontage roads (Nine Mile Bridge Road & Hanger Cut-Off). They also mention something about Western Center Boulevard, I'm not sure where that is.

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/your-commute/article109133122.html

I think it's this one:

(https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5809/30393404761_5148d248e3.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NiL9m2)

The road to the south is NW Center Blvd.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on October 21, 2016, 11:12:53 PM
They could have meant NW Center Drive. That is the closest thing to "Western Center Blvd" in that area. $56 million seems like a pretty cheap price (relatively speaking) for a project that appears at first glance to fill in at least 2 of 3 frontage road only sections of Jacksboro Highway up to Azle with new freeway. There is no additional ROW needed for the project since there is more than enough space in the median for new freeway lanes. But the article only mentions bridges and ramps for "Western Center Boulevard," Hanger Cut-Off and Nine Mile Bridge. That has me wondering if they're just going to add a 3rd lane to the frontage roads along these non-freeway quality segments and only add maybe 2 more freeway style exits.

If all the non-freeway, frontage road only segments are going to be upgraded to full freeway standards more bridges would be needed. Between NW Center Blvd and the Lake Worth waterway bridge new highway bridges for the main lanes would be needed over Charbonneu Road, Telephone Road, Merrett Drive and Hodgkins Road as well as possibly at least a Northwest bound bridge just before the Lake Worth waterway.

One thing is certain, the other TX-199 project East of the Western Center Blvd intersection, an interchange between TX-199 and I-820, would cost a whole lot more than $56 million.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on October 28, 2016, 01:00:10 AM
FM 544 is being reconstructed/widened from FM 2281 to Dozier Rd. It is being slightly realigned at the KCS RR, and its profile is changing significantly in that area.

In this pic you can see the end of the new bridge way off to the left of the current roadway

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10.26.2016%2520003_zpsajdkefrs.jpg&hash=e576140002e0cea620a83045358d4afc7516e5cf) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/10.26.2016%20003_zpsajdkefrs.jpg.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on October 28, 2016, 04:47:40 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on October 28, 2016, 01:00:10 AM
FM 544 is being reconstructed/widened from FM 2281 to Dozier Rd. It is being slightly realigned at the KCS RR, and its profile is changing significantly in that area.

In this pic you can see the end of the new bridge way off to the left of the current roadway

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F10.26.2016%2520003_zpsajdkefrs.jpg&hash=e576140002e0cea620a83045358d4afc7516e5cf) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/10.26.2016%20003_zpsajdkefrs.jpg.html)

It will look so strange to see this part of FM 544 widened.  Growing up partially in north TX, I remember the days when all of FM 544 was like the width in the picture, except for the part in central and near-central Plano.  With this project, almost all the farm-to-market look will be gone.

With all the development that has happened along/nearthe FM 544 corridor over the years, I'm almost surprised more wasn't done sooner.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on November 16, 2016, 05:47:18 AM
The eight-laning of the President George Bush Turnpike was completed earlier this week (Dallas North Tollway to US 75)

http://www.drivingnorthtexas.com/new-lanes-of-president-george-bush-turnpike-open-to-traffic/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on November 17, 2016, 01:59:51 AM
Any word on when they're going to extend the DNT over US 380? That'll be a game-changer for a lot of commuters. East-west as well as north-south because of the current surface intersection that backs up traffic in all four directions.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 17, 2016, 11:02:00 AM
I don't think any time line has been picked out when to start construction on Phases 4A, 4B and 5A of the Dallas North Tollway. TX DOT is upgrading the intersection with US-380 and the DNT.

For anyone's info: Phase 4A of the Dallas North Tollway will run 6 miles North of US-380 to the intersection of Dallas Parkway and FM 428. Phase 4B of the DNT will extend 7.7 miles to the Collin and Grayson county lines and parallel County Line Road. Phase 5A will push the DNT up near the intersection of TX-121 and Scharff Rd, a 4 miles West of Gunter.
https://www.ntta.org/newsresources/reports/projectprogressreports/Documents/current_cpr/CPR_DNT4-5_secure.pdf (https://www.ntta.org/newsresources/reports/projectprogressreports/Documents/current_cpr/CPR_DNT4-5_secure.pdf)
Long term, the DNT will be extended up to US-82 near Sherman. I think the DNT should ultimately dove-tail into US-75 by Denison.

I am wondering when construction will start on the Bush Turnpike East Branch extension from I-30 down thru Sunnyvale and Mesquite to I-20. I think the project is still in the draft EIS phase and a final alignment has not yet been chosen.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: codyg1985 on November 17, 2016, 11:11:19 AM
Is the Dallas North Tollway really needed that far north?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on November 17, 2016, 02:55:42 PM
Prosper is growing pretty fast. It doubled in population since 2010 and Google Earth imagery shows numerous new subdivisions being built. The Frisco-McKinney area south of US 380 is rapidly getting built-out. They should turn US 380 into a freeway before it all gets developed, too...

Collin County growth creating traffic time bomb, officials say: 'We have to get moving on it'  (http://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2016/08/12/collin-county-growth-creating-traffic-time-bomb-officials-say-get-moving)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 17, 2016, 10:47:00 PM
The US-380 corridor is too badly encroached in a lot of places between Denton and McKinney. I think the plan is to build a new terrain East-West freeway between Denton and McKinney parallel to US-380 about a mile or so to the North. And that might be part of a long term planned outer loop for all of the DFW megapolis.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on November 18, 2016, 02:42:57 AM
Here are the plans for the Collin County Outer Loop service road. The section west of US 75 runs actually about 5 miles north of US 380.

One section is already built between TX 121 and US 75 between Anna and Melissa. East of 121 it makes a sharp turn to the south and picks up Farmersville and Josephine. The second phase is supposed to be between FM 6 and the Rockwall County line, but no idea if it has been built yet.

Main lanes, of course, are decades away.

http://www.collincountytx.gov/mobility/Pages/outerloop.aspx
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on November 19, 2016, 04:22:13 AM
Quote from: codyg1985 on November 17, 2016, 11:11:19 AM
Is the Dallas North Tollway really needed that far north?

:D Yes.  :)     :-P
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on November 19, 2016, 04:25:44 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on November 17, 2016, 10:47:00 PM
The US-380 corridor is too badly encroached in a lot of places between Denton and McKinney. I think the plan is to build a new terrain East-West freeway between Denton and McKinney parallel to US-380 about a mile or so to the North. And that might be part of a long term planned outer loop for all of the DFW megapolis.

Loop 9.

Also, a Loop 503 would be nice.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on November 22, 2016, 11:59:22 AM
This is kind of an old project, but I just recently uploaded some photos of the North Tarrant Express from the perspective of I-820.  My photos were taken about a year ago in November of 2015.  (I'm slow to upload stuff.)  I don't have any recent photos of the I-35W interchange, though I would be interested in seeing an updated status of that part of the project, but here goes:

Westerly view along I-820 from the North Riverside Drive overpass.  I have to think this view is considerably out of date, but it's a cool vantage point of such a neat interchange under construction nevertheless.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_cl_16-5_west_Nov15.jpg&hash=a5e06ee62d02f76585f3514541c13f86fae593cf)

View looking easterly along I-820 as it passes beneath the ramp that carries traffic from the 820 Express Lanes to US-377:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_dv_18-5_east_Nov15.jpg&hash=349485727f2fc39f8196eae13c1329b70cc249d2)

Westerly view along I-820 from the US-377 overpass:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_cl_19_west_c_Nov15.jpg&hash=c671025209a2ab0a7b75eeb90680e2c3e0913275)

Easterly views along I-820 from the US-377 overpass:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_cl_19_east_EB_w_Nov15.jpg&hash=171409133df606c84f68cfbee0bc6115337a8c00)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_cl_19_east_EB_t_Nov15.jpg&hash=7a1f1ef7c938bdb7837e72ad07418aae2b7503da)

Passing beneath the structure that carries the ramp from US-377 to the Express lanes:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_dv_19-25_east_Nov15.jpg&hash=79394246d22ef8887ff122746c8bd3197dbf317e)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_dv_19-3_east_Nov15.jpg&hash=490032bccd6390a9318eb70ced5116643877e78b)

Westerly view from the Iron Horse Road overpass
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_cl_20_west_w_Nov15.jpg&hash=a4f4770181329b24202c3c79476cc8e434a907f8)

Signage for both I-820 and the I-820 Express Lanes from Iron Horse Road.  Note that the signage for I-820 Express doesn't explicitly indicate that it is a toll facility:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_820ExpressShield_IronHorse_Nov15.jpg&hash=817b240d3eba190f1b3be73309d0609062ce00d6)

Easterly views from Iron Horse Road onto I-820:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_cl_20_east_c_Nov15.jpg&hash=e7fba7b305a9bda58f0b08b8ad6c77faa7f66192)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_cl_20_east_onramp_Nov15.jpg&hash=31f1be02dd7de8b0aada312cf54ef383bb2a63d5)

Easterly view approaching the TX-121 and 183 interchange:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_dv_22-2_east_Nov15.jpg&hash=7c9e4f39d4ba8f093abac8f81d3c7055092204d0)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_dv_22-25_east_Nov15.jpg&hash=116b39f10fcfc11420127dfca5bade7d4b5c64ba)

At the TX-121/183 interchange:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F820%2FI820_TX_dv_22-5_east_Nov15.jpg&hash=e640b4f58a1303d3650eaa9ccee3aa502f55fe45)

The full version photos (the small ones don't show the scale of the project) can be found here, in addition to several other I-820 interchange photos:
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/820/index.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on November 23, 2016, 10:38:26 AM
Never understood by they used pavement instead of concrete. Concrete lasts much longer and less maintenance.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: TXtoNJ on November 23, 2016, 11:17:46 AM
Quote from: longhorn on November 23, 2016, 10:38:26 AM
Never understood by they used pavement instead of concrete. Concrete lasts much longer and less maintenance.

I'd imagine that the primary reasons are noise mitigation, aesthetics, and the extreme swings in DFW's climate making maintenance of asphalt more cost-effective than concrete slab in high-traffic areas.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on November 23, 2016, 11:45:51 AM
I think it's to make the projects cheaper so they can get done more quickly
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 23, 2016, 02:05:16 PM
I-820 through the Northern parts of Fort Worth is quite an oddity. Aside from the asphalt roadway, the highway has 4 carriageways, 2 tolled and 2 free. But all four have only 2 lanes each. TX DOT probably could have built a normal 10 or 12 lane freeway through there in the same space and moved traffic more effectively. That road jams up pretty good on the free lanes while hardly anyone uses the toll lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on November 23, 2016, 02:12:23 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on November 23, 2016, 02:05:16 PM
I-820 through the Northern parts of Fort Worth is quite an oddity. Aside from the asphalt roadway, the highway has 4 carriageways, 2 tolled and 2 free. But all four have only 2 lanes each. TX DOT probably could have built a normal 10 or 12 lane freeway through there in the same space and moved traffic more effectively. That road jams up pretty good on the free lanes while hardly anyone uses the toll lanes.

Would love to see TxDot's computer simulations showing that two free lanes in each direction would be adequate.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on November 23, 2016, 02:19:07 PM
While agreeing with the assessment about the stupidity of having only two free lanes each way, it should be pointed out that the agreement with the private developer that built the road and tolls the managed lanes requires the developer to build a third free lane, at their own expense, at some future time.  I don't know what the timeframe is.  The smaller initial scope helped reduce the initial cost, and increases congestion to incentivize use of managed lanes, but third lanes are coming.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 23, 2016, 04:38:15 PM
I can imagine how they would add a 3rd free lane in each direction. There appears to be barely enough room to add another lane inside the left lane along parts of I-820. It would be a really tight fit to fit 3 lanes and still have any shoulders. It looks like it could be costly to add. Too bad they couldn't have built it as a 3-2-2-3 arrangement in the first place. Still, a 5-5 or 6-6 freeway would have been better, IMHO.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on December 07, 2016, 01:01:25 PM
Question, when they removed the old bridge supports of the old Dallas mixmaster, do they leave the concrete that's beneath the ground or does that get removed too?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on December 08, 2016, 12:06:52 AM
Quote from: longhorn on December 07, 2016, 01:01:25 PMQuestion, when they removed the old bridge supports of the old Dallas mixmaster, do they leave the concrete that's beneath the ground or does that get removed too?

I don't have a good answer since the RFC plans made available as part of the Southern Gateway RFP do not include demolition.  I suspect the drilled shafts for the old bridge foundations are simply abandoned in place to avoid excavation that might deprive neighboring structures of lateral support, but this is just a guess.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on December 08, 2016, 09:00:17 PM
Yeah, those old bridge piers go down fairly deep. It would be quite a pain to dig them out of the ground. At best, I would only expect the crews grind the old piers down several inches below grade and then cover them with dirt and new sod if the old piers are in what will be grassy, landscaped areas.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on January 14, 2017, 05:48:36 PM
I just posted photos of the North Tarrant Express construction project which I took the weekend before Thanksgiving

http://dfwfreeways.com/i35w/construction-2016-nov (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35w/construction-2016-nov)

I seem to recall seeing a news report that the project recently passed the 50% complete point.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on January 14, 2017, 07:08:17 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on January 14, 2017, 05:48:36 PM
I just posted photos of the North Tarrant Express construction project which I took the weekend before Thanksgiving

http://dfwfreeways.com/i35w/construction-2016-nov (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35w/construction-2016-nov)

I seem to recall seeing a news report that the project recently passed the 50% complete point.

Thank you, I was wondering what kind of progress they were making. Its amazing that stretch of I-35 in urban FTW was only four lanes for so long. Especially considering the reconstruction the southern part of I35W received in the early 90s.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on January 24, 2017, 10:38:28 AM
Was looking at the construction camera for mixmaster rebuild looks like I-30 East has been rerouted on it main lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Greybear on January 26, 2017, 10:46:13 AM
I was just through the Mixmaster last night. It is the westbound lanes that are onto its new main lanes. The eastbound lanes are still in the temporary path.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on February 28, 2017, 01:26:26 AM
In recent days, the downtown Dallas Horseshoe project made another change.  Now WB I-30 traffic through the canyon/Mixmaster will exit #46A, with new BGSes and different ramp arrangements.  A new left ramp will connect to I-35E SB, a set of middle lanes will connect to I-35E NB, with the right part of the split now connecting to Colorado Blvd. (this ramp had been the SB ramp to I-35E).  TxDOT still claims the project will be done later this year.

TxDOT put out this video on YT
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on March 01, 2017, 06:11:36 AM
A public meeting is scheduled for the expansion of 11 miles of US 80 to six lanes between I-30 in Dallas and FM 460 in Forney.

http://txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/dallas/032817.html

Proposed improvements to US 80 would widen this highway from I-30 in Dallas County to FM 460 in Kaufman County, approximately 11 miles. The proposed improvements include reconstructing and widening the existing four-lane roadway to a six-lane roadway. To accommodate the proposed improvements, ramps, bridge structures, and frontage roads would be reconstructed. Additional right of way is anticipated to be required along US 80.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on March 01, 2017, 09:29:38 AM
Quote from: txstateends on February 28, 2017, 01:26:26 AM
In recent days, the downtown Dallas Horseshoe project made another change.  Now WB I-30 traffic through the canyon/Mixmaster will exit #46A, with new BGSes and different ramp arrangements.  A new left ramp will connect to I-35E SB, a set of middle lanes will connect to I-35E NB, with the right part of the split now connecting to Colorado Blvd. (this ramp had been the SB ramp to I-35E).  TxDOT still claims the project will be done later this year.

TxDOT put out this video on YT


Latest pics
http://dallashorseshoe.com/aerial-photos-feb-2017/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on March 17, 2017, 09:54:53 PM
www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2017/03/17/heads-big-changes-coming-weekend-30-drivers-headed-north-35

Changes starting this weekend in the downtown Dallas Horseshoe project, this time involving I-30 EB from the Margaret McDermott bridge:

* Between Beckley and Riverfront, this Friday and Saturday after 10pm, various lanes will close.  Those exiting to I-35E NB will be shifted over from a left connector to a right one.

* For traffic going to SB I-35E, a new direct connector will open up; that ramp will begin from the middle lane of I-30 EB.

YT vid of TxDOT's explanation....
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dallasnomad730 on March 28, 2017, 01:38:43 AM
Took these yesterday looks kinda the same only they made it confusing if you don't read the signs quick enough...  :)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FMMjEbNSl.jpg&hash=bb6aad8516b84ae837cd5ebe275f08cb0635e556)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FbcIcviGl.jpg&hash=fc14126d716b88b62a5df920df3ad0a688ec173e)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2F1AUjhFql.jpg&hash=54439c595fc5e237713d57de1d7fccb2fd0ed3e0)



Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on March 28, 2017, 11:50:54 AM
Its amazing the progress they are making on the mix master.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 04, 2017, 11:13:16 PM
I just noticed in Google Earth the imagery for the Dallas-Fort Worth area has been updated. Nearly all the DFW metroplex has imagery dated 1/27/2017. Previously much of the DFW imagery was from early in 2016 or earlier. It's kind of amazing how many large road construction projects are going on in the DFW area right now. It's not much fun for anyone driving in that stuff daily. But it's still interesting from that perspective that some projects, like the TX-360 extension South of I-20 were waiting to start for many years, but are now in progress. The I-820 & I-35W interchange North of Fort Worth still looks like it's a long way from being finished. It seems like they've been working on that interchange forever.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on April 05, 2017, 12:39:58 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on April 04, 2017, 11:13:16 PM
I just noticed in Google Earth the imagery for the Dallas-Fort Worth area has been updated. Nearly all the DFW metroplex has imagery dated 1/27/2017. Previously much of the DFW imagery was from early in 2016 or earlier. It's kind of amazing how many large road construction projects are going on in the DFW area right now. It's not much fun for anyone driving in that stuff daily. But it's still interesting from that perspective that some projects, like the TX-360 extension South of I-20 were waiting to start for many years, but are now in progress. The I-820 & I-35W interchange North of Fort Worth still looks like it's a long way from being finished. It seems like they've been working on that interchange forever.

The Dallas Horshoe project will be done in a couple of months. I believe all traffic flows are in their new permanent position. The HOV lane on 35 needs to be completed but that's about it. Can't believe they rebuilt the whole complex and kept traffic moving.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on April 05, 2017, 12:54:25 AM
Isn't I-45 going to be relocated as part of the next wave of freeway construction around Downtown Dallas?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 05, 2017, 03:19:29 PM
No. US 175 is. It will tie in directly to I-45 instead of using OLD US 75
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: compdude787 on April 05, 2017, 03:42:24 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 05, 2017, 03:19:29 PM
No. US 175 is. It will tie in directly to I-45 instead of using OLD US 75

So I guess that means that I-45 will have to be widened and old US 75 will be turned into a surface arterial?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 05, 2017, 04:04:35 PM
The C.F. Hawn Freeway extension to I-45 on the newest satellite imagery:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FaauXhL8.jpg&hash=647cf6b65449c21b0727f17fe82f75a03f1ebded)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 05, 2017, 04:49:15 PM
Quote from: Plutonic PandaIsn't I-45 going to be relocated as part of the next wave of freeway construction around Downtown Dallas?

Certain groups are campaigning for the removal of unsigned I-345 between the I-30/I-45 interchange and the US-75/Woodall Rogers interchange. The existing elevated highway separates downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum. The elevated highway is aging and needs to be replaced. The big debate is over what kind of highway or street should be built in its place.

I personally think any replacement should be a freeway rather than an at-grade street. There's too much traffic coming from Northbound I-45 and Southbound US-75 to just suddenly hit traffic lights at Canton St, Commerce St, Main St, Elm St, Pacific Ave, Live Oak St, Good Latimer Expy and Ross Ave. A major at-grade surface street through there would create a grid-lock clusterf***.

I think the best solution would be a depressed freeway that is capped with green space in key places. It would cost a lot of money, but this is one of America's most important city centers. Plus, in the long term I think I-45 should be extended from Dallas into Oklahoma.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dallasnomad730 on April 05, 2017, 08:56:57 PM
( I think the best solution would be a depressed freeway that is capped with green space in key places. It would cost a lot of money, but this is one of America's most important city centers. Plus, in the long term I think I-45 should be extended from Dallas into Oklahoma. )

I wish so too it would make sense for I-45 in Dallas connect to Tulsa, maybe Kansas City, but that's just a pipe dream, I heard rumors about a I-45 expansion to Oklahoma, but it's just talk at best. It would be great if it became a reality!
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on April 05, 2017, 09:47:27 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on April 05, 2017, 04:49:15 PM
Quote from: Plutonic PandaIsn't I-45 going to be relocated as part of the next wave of freeway construction around Downtown Dallas?

Certain groups are campaigning for the removal of unsigned I-345 between the I-30/I-45 interchange and the US-75/Woodall Rogers interchange. The existing elevated highway separates downtown Dallas and Deep Ellum. The elevated highway is aging and needs to be replaced. The big debate is over what kind of highway or street should be built in its place.

I personally think any replacement should be a freeway rather than an at-grade street. There's too much traffic coming from Northbound I-45 and Southbound US-75 to just suddenly hit traffic lights at Canton St, Commerce St, Main St, Elm St, Pacific Ave, Live Oak St, Good Latimer Expy and Ross Ave. A major at-grade surface street through there would create a grid-lock clusterf***.

I think the best solution would be a depressed freeway that is capped with green space in key places. It would cost a lot of money, but this is one of America's most important city centers. Plus, in the long term I think I-45 should be extended from Dallas into Oklahoma.
I agree with everything you said.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: nguyenhm16 on April 07, 2017, 08:47:06 AM
TxDOT just posted a video of I-635 east in its contemplated final configuration:
https://youtu.be/xrfjYc-Ubr0

At least in the rendering the Skillman St. bridge looks a lot like the bridges over I-69/US-59 east of Shepherd in Houston.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 07, 2017, 10:41:54 AM
There are also plans to widen I-30 east of Dallas to the Hunt County line.

Proposed improvements to I-30 would reconstruct and/or widen this highway from Bass Pro Road in Dallas County to west of FM 2642 in Rockwall County, approximately 17 miles through the Cities of Garland, Rowlett, Rockwall, Mobile City, Fate, and Royse City.

The proposed improvements include widening from 4 to 6 lanes from west of State Highway (SH) 205 to west of FM 2642; widening from 6 to 8 lanes from Bass Pro Drive to west of SH 205; construction of new frontage roads from Bass Pro Drive to Horizon Road (including bridge structures across Lake Ray Hubbard)

http://txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/dallas/042717.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on April 30, 2017, 01:31:32 PM
A few views of Interstate 35E through the nearly complete Horseshoe project taken just over a week ago:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F35E%2FI35E_TX_dv_427_north_Apr17_forum.jpg&hash=529bb599937a44c99080a567b0ec48530e4ca870)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg (http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F35E%2FI35E_TX_dv_427-1_north_Apr17_forum.jpg&hash=5dfcdd303625614a8fc7214bf1bab085a1831b47)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427-1_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg (http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427-1_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F35E%2FI35E_TX_dv_427-25_north_Apr17_forum.jpg&hash=2a4d25548f131db92e792e483af2e0a1ef4d4f9e)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427-25_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg (http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427-25_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F35E%2FI35E_TX_dv_427-5_north_Apr17_forum.jpg&hash=48aa2c3c0f265e87444b7b36097a5784d16b8b4f)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427-5_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg (http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427-5_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F35E%2FI35E_TX_dv_427-9_north_Apr17_forum.jpg&hash=6dfb2a27d410a43f79a831280bff1e6cfbe1c5be)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427-9_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg (http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_427-9_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F35E%2FI35E_TX_dv_428_north_Apr17_forum.jpg&hash=095327a441a4e33bdcdfb36130ad7b975e9a65c3)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_428_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg (http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_428_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F35E%2FI35E_TX_dv_428-1_north_Apr17_forum.jpg&hash=5d3b82c9c1670cb7fd381c8f7a9cdbfa51d65f4d)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_428-1_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg (http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_428-1_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.asphaltplanet.ca%2FTX%2FI%2F35E%2FI35E_TX_dv_428-15_north_Apr17_forum.jpg&hash=59dca70404d036748e57bdb197d484333208816d)
http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_428-15_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg (http://www.asphaltplanet.ca/TX/I/35E/I35E_TX_dv_428-15_north_Apr17_24x16.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: compdude787 on April 30, 2017, 05:47:56 PM
That interchange looks great! What's with the Clearview font still being used on the signs?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 30, 2017, 05:58:32 PM
While I like the additional lanes and traffic capacity the Horseshoe project is adding to the mix-master I'm not a fan of the bridge pier design. I don't know what it is, but the rounded design on those support columns and lack of any decorative touches just makes it all look very bland. It makes me think of plastic fixtures in a shower. I suppose this is an "upgrade" from the plain but angular piers on other DFW interchanges like I-820 & TX-183, but it's a big step down from decorative bridge piers like the ones in the High Five Interchange (I-635 & US-75).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dallasnomad730 on April 30, 2017, 06:41:43 PM
While I like the additional lanes and traffic capacity the Horseshoe project is adding to the mix-master I'm not a fan of the bridge pier design. I don't know what it is, but the rounded design on those support columns and lack of any decorative touches just makes it all look very bland. It makes me think of plastic fixtures in a shower. I suppose this is an "upgrade" from the plain but angular piers on other DFW interchanges like I-820 & TX-183, but it's a big step down from decorative bridge piers like the ones in the High Five Interchange (I-635 & US-75).

I agree, i wish the bridges would've been decorated brown and with a little extra icing on the cake make the horseshoe design with a lone star shaped avatars like the I-10/US 62 interchange in El Paso.

https://www.google.com/maps/@31.7776902,-106.4384909,3a,19.7y,288.86h,88.98t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sahOvqDgMUpkKwr5MmDkpFQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1?hl=en
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on April 30, 2017, 06:47:36 PM
Quote from: compdude787 on April 30, 2017, 05:47:56 PM
That interchange looks great! What's with the Clearview font still being used on the signs?

The contract to build the interchange was executed before FHWA rescinded it's approval for the font on the signs.  To change back to highway gothic, TxDot would have needed to execute a change order within the contract, which may have incurred a financial penalty.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on April 30, 2017, 08:13:15 PM
The rounded edges and lack of articulation on the bridge piers has more than a whiff of Fisher-Price's My First Freeway Interchange.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: compdude787 on May 01, 2017, 01:35:45 AM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on April 30, 2017, 06:47:36 PM
Quote from: compdude787 on April 30, 2017, 05:47:56 PM
That interchange looks great! What's with the Clearview font still being used on the signs?

The contract to build the interchange was executed before FHWA rescinded it's approval for the font on the signs.  To change back to highway gothic, TxDot would have needed to execute a change order within the contract, which may have incurred a financial penalty.

That's what I thought.

And having thought about it, all the rounded edges do make it look weird. And yeah, the design is definitely a bit bland. Considering the other new interchanges being built in TX, I'm really surprised at how bland this one looks.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on May 01, 2017, 01:41:09 AM
The rounded edges and soft light gray color on the piers make them "feel" like they might be made out of spongy rubber -like a car would bounce off one if colliding with it. The "Fischer-Price" toy analogy is pretty good.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on May 01, 2017, 02:09:53 AM
Construction on the SH 114/ FM 156 interchange is well underway. The design is totally different than what was originally planned. Back in 2007, the plans called for a cloverleaf, but they went with a somewhat unique interchange with frontage road intersection bypasses

FM 156 is also under construction from NW High School up to the north end of Justin. A store in Justin has been torn down for the project.

Also, the old BNSF main from Lambert JCT down to SH 114 has been double tracked, and a really unusual safety feature has been put in place to prevent trains from running off the end of the track where they torn down the old trestle over SH 114.

Also, I noticed on Google that a new track was installed north of Lambert JCT up to Justin. It is on the east side of the original track, and is far enough a way that two separate sets of crossing signals were needed at Harmonson Rd

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2Fsh%2520114%2520fm%2520156%2520interchange_zpsnrifqz8r.png&hash=388d6f99ca760488651e01ee7d2994db35490d26) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/sh%20114%20fm%20156%20interchange_zpsnrifqz8r.png.html)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F4.28.2017%2520008_zps0eed4lgm.jpg&hash=23e86d3e9d3d858f355f1d530e11ad9f8132058f) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/4.28.2017%20008_zps0eed4lgm.jpg.html)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1209.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fcc395%2FBrian5561%2F4.28.2017%2520012_zpsjjrw2wtf.jpg&hash=a564019336ab42c9c07e54f8e790acb3dc4310af) (http://s1209.photobucket.com/user/Brian5561/media/4.28.2017%20012_zpsjjrw2wtf.jpg.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on May 01, 2017, 12:03:56 PM
Is TX DOT going to add in the freeway main lanes along TX-114 between I-35W and the big NISD school complex? When the TX-114 widening project took place between US-287 and I-35W not enough right of way was secured to eventually widen the road into a freeway or toll road with frontage roads. I don't know why they didn't build in a wide median for future freeway or toll road lanes like portions of TX-114 east of I-35W. It's still physically possible to do an eventual freeway upgrade with minimal property removal. But that situation will not stay that way for long.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on May 01, 2017, 03:20:51 PM
Quote from Bobby5280:
QuoteIs TX DOT going to add in the freeway main lanes along TX-114 between I-35W and the big NISD school complex? When the TX-114 widening project took place between US-287 and I-35W not enough right of way was secured to eventually widen the road into a freeway or toll road with frontage roads. I don't know why they didn't build in a wide median for future freeway or toll road lanes like portions of TX-114 east of I-35W. It's still physically possible to do an eventual freeway upgrade with minimal property removal. But that situation will not stay that way for long.

There are no plans to make SH 114 a freeway west of the high school to US 81/287. Last time I checked the plans only called for expressway conditions with at grade crossings in front of the speedway. That was 2007, so plans could have changed.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on May 01, 2017, 07:20:44 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on April 30, 2017, 05:58:32 PM
While I like the additional lanes and traffic capacity the Horseshoe project is adding to the mix-master I'm not a fan of the bridge pier design. I don't know what it is, but the rounded design on those support columns and lack of any decorative touches just makes it all look very bland. It makes me think of plastic fixtures in a shower. I suppose this is an "upgrade" from the plain but angular piers on other DFW interchanges like I-820 & TX-183, but it's a big step down from decorative bridge piers like the ones in the High Five Interchange (I-635 & US-75).

It's the bland white color. They did the same with the new Terminal D at DFW. The rest of the airport is in earth tone colors. TxDot should have used earth tone colors.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8792579,-96.8978619,3a,60y,174.49h,86.38t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1seN7G2zWsJW0nc-wEtJ_14A!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=en

Amazing what a little color will do even on the blocky standard design

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.9104036,-96.8852851,3a,75y,227.82h,92.02t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1smpKGUQPok_4Y1qIKMYm8lw!2e0!7i13312!8i6656?hl=enf

Do not get Dallas's fascination with white lately.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on May 07, 2017, 04:06:42 PM
Video of I-35E through the Horseshoe Project (and beyond)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: US-175 on May 08, 2017, 03:08:20 PM
http://www.bizjournals.com/dallas/news/2017/05/04/txdot-awards-balfour-beatty-fluor-corp-625m.html

More on the Southern Gateway (I-35E and US 67 south of downtown Dallas) contract going to Fluor/Balfour Beatty.  The project is to begin late this year and be done by 2021.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on June 11, 2017, 03:09:06 PM
I took these photos April 8 but only recently was able to process the photos.

The IH 35E collector-distrubutors between Bush/190 and SH 121 opened in early April. My observation: this is a huge improvement, virtually eliminating the chronic congestion in this area.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-north%2Fconstruction%2F20170408_09-0120-1150.jpg&hash=e1cd492ddb9f6cfd683626f05a0bc40da56a5010)
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i35e-north/construction/20170408_09-0120-2560.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i35e-north/construction/20170408_09-0120-2560.jpg)
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i35e-north/construction/20170408_09-0126-2560.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i35e-north/construction/20170408_09-0126-2560.jpg)

SH 121 north of DFW airport is *finally* on the new concrete. But (as of April) it was still only two lanes each way due to work at the transition zones at both ends of the project. This project has been taking a ridiculously long time. It will be 5x5 when complete.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2FAARoads%2F20170408_09-0325_1200.jpg&hash=1847b85a9e63921b0b473f722e8fdd67f76ffad9)
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20170408_09-0325-2560.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20170408_09-0325-2560.jpg)

The interchange at IH 35E and SH 121 is nearing completion. With its long, high-flying ramps, it will be the second most impressive interchange in North Texas (after the High Five)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-north%2Fconstruction%2F20170408_09-0090-1150.jpg&hash=52787ef2d6d303a09525c756f4d1e1248aef44b9)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-north%2Fconstruction%2F20170408_09-0070_1150.jpg&hash=6a9dcc06748094688669bde4181b113578be1313)
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i35e-north/construction/20170408_09-0090-2560.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i35e-north/construction/20170408_09-0090-2560.jpg)
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i35e-north/construction/20170408_09-0076-2560.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i35e-north/construction/20170408_09-0076-2560.jpg)

Work was proceeding quickly on the new section of US 175
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fus175%2Fconstruction%2F175_20170408_09-0374_1250.jpg&hash=5b056d9afce4aefd4b560e9376d2033c427078bf)
http://www.dfwfreeways.com/us175/construction (http://www.dfwfreeways.com/us175/construction)

The connection ramps at SH 183 and Loop 12 have made substantial progress toward completion
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fsh183%2Fconstruction%2F20170408_09-0156-1150.jpg&hash=4c1e047e1b4b3b89255f49b763f2ed6d4150790e)
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/sh183/construction/20170408_09-0156-2560.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/sh183/construction/20170408_09-0156-2560.jpg)

Work is proceeding quickly on the IH 30/SH 360 interchange, with a small forest of piers in place.The contractor is keeping a good collection of progress photos https://www.keep30360moving.org/images/ (https://www.keep30360moving.org/images/)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi30-landry%2Fconstruction%2F20170408_09-0200-1200.jpg&hash=199da2c0d954c28659c939a017672b058ffa6949)
http://www.dfwfreeways.com/i30-landry/construction-360 (http://www.dfwfreeways.com/i30-landry/construction-360)

The two Panther Island bridges in Fort Worth are progressing with forms in place for the V-shaped piers. These will be expensive bridges over land until the new diversion canal is built, which may not be anytime soon.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2FAARoads%2F20170408_09-0239-1200.jpg&hash=48311e110d83ee245314aa3e34dfcd52851555ab)
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20170408_09-0239-3000.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20170408_09-0239-3000.jpg)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2FAARoads%2F20170408_09-0242-1200.jpg&hash=b9b5824e4aa1408f38d0a020a43af1710e0504b5)
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20170408_09-0242-3000.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/AARoads/20170408_09-0242-3000.jpg)

Other observations (no photos)
* SH 183 in Irving is now proceeding rapidly with major progress
* There is steady progress on IH 35W in north Fort Worth, but not much difference from the photos I posted in November http://www.dfwfreeways.com/i35w/construction-2016-nov (http://www.dfwfreeways.com/i35w/construction-2016-nov)

* The Horseshoe project in downtown Dallas is nearly complete
* Work is well underway on the expansion of the SH 360/SH 121 interchange on the northwest side of DFW airport

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: compdude787 on June 15, 2017, 12:22:58 AM
So the flyover ramps on the I-35E/ SH-121 interchange are just going to be drab grey like that? Whatever happened to TxDOT making their bridge structures be aesthetically pleasing?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: aboges26 on June 15, 2017, 06:13:45 PM
Quote from: compdude787 on June 15, 2017, 12:22:58 AM
So the flyover ramps on the I-35E/ SH-121 interchange are just going to be drab grey like that? Whatever happened to TxDOT making their bridge structures be aesthetically pleasing?

Not necessarily, as far as I know it is up to the contractor as to when to do the paint job.  For example, in the Lubbock district the new freeway overpasses and retaining walls have been the last thing done on the new construction projects.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: compdude787 on June 15, 2017, 09:06:05 PM
Okay, good. I was worried that TX was slacking off in the looks department when it comes to their interchanges.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on June 23, 2017, 10:16:20 AM
What is the progress of the I-35W expansion north of Fort Worth? According to the TxDOT project tracker, the I-820 to US 81/287 split segment has an estimated completion date of June 30.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: RoadSigma on July 08, 2017, 12:34:30 PM
Well I commute 35W from Burleson(South FW) to North Ft Worth every day and north of the 820 interchange on the northside they have signed it up and are VERY close to opening the tolled lanes. Between Downtown and 820 there is still at least a yr to 2 yrs of work to be done. Especially on part where Tx 121 and 35W and 287 are about to be changed into one big mixmaster type of intersection.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 08, 2017, 06:52:50 PM
Do TXDOT plan to put feeder roads/service roads along US-81/287 between Avondale and I-35W so the last driveways will be removed like this one? http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.93503,-97.36596&z=16&t=S
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on July 08, 2017, 08:16:05 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 08, 2017, 06:52:50 PM
Do TXDOT plan to put feeder roads/service roads along US-81/287 between Avondale and I-35W so the last driveways will be removed like this one? http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.93503,-97.36596&z=16&t=S

Yes.  CSJ 001415037 is scheduled for August 2019.  "Construct 2 Way Frontage Rds To 1 Way Frontage Rds And Ramp Modifications"  I'm not certain what exactly that means, but it basically means frontage roads will be built.  I can't give a direct link because of the way the web site works, but if you go to this page, select Counties and Tarrant, and zoom in on the map you can see the information.  The same page will show you projects all over the state.

http://apps.dot.state.tx.us/apps-cq/project_tracker/ (http://apps.dot.state.tx.us/apps-cq/project_tracker/)

The Statewide Planning Map also does this.  It's easier to use because you can scroll statewide instead of selecting geographical areas, but it has less information on it.  It also doesn't include this list the other site shows.  Some projects are not mapped and show up only in the list.  You can select from the four different categories of projects.  There's a limit of two simultaneous overlays, but I'd suggest viewing them individually if you're looking at the projects.

http://www.txdot.gov/apps/statewide_mapping/StatewidePlanningMap.html (http://www.txdot.gov/apps/statewide_mapping/StatewidePlanningMap.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 09, 2017, 03:11:37 PM
Quote from: wxfree on July 08, 2017, 08:16:05 PM

The Statewide Planning Map also does this.  It's easier to use because you can scroll statewide instead of selecting geographical areas, but it has less information on it.  It also doesn't include this list the other site shows.  Some projects are not mapped and show up only in the list.  You can select from the four different categories of projects.  There's a limit of two simultaneous overlays, but I'd suggest viewing them individually if you're looking at the projects.

http://www.txdot.gov/apps/statewide_mapping/StatewidePlanningMap.html (http://www.txdot.gov/apps/statewide_mapping/StatewidePlanningMap.html)

Cool, thanks for the tip. :D
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on July 09, 2017, 05:05:57 PM
It's a very long over-due project. At the bare minimum US-287 needs to be Interstate quality from the I-35W split to the TX-114 split. It seems really odd that those driveways have stayed intact all these years despite all the rampant growth in the DFW area.

Really US-287 needs to be Interstate quality all the way to the North side of Decatur. There are plans to do freeway quality upgrades to segments of US-287 North and South of Decatur. But there's nothing in the work at this time to upgrade US-287 to Interstate quality inside of Decatur. There's a lot of drive ways and other crap through there, but nothing so big to make such an upgrade impossible.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on November 08, 2017, 06:01:28 PM
http://www.fox4news.com/news/ceremony-celebrates-35-express-completion

Well, as of this morning, the 35Express work from I-635 in Dallas and US 380 in Denton is being considered "complete", even though it doesn't look quite done to me.  The most glaring part is the Lake Lewisville bridge not being elevated the same in both directions.  There are other issues (the whole thing looks rushed and sloppy, it really doesn't look much wider, there are signs missing also) but mainly the lake bridge is the thing that sticks out the most.

Not that there aren't any improvements, mainly the C-D's between the TX 121-Sam Rayburn Tollway exit and the Bush Turnpike exit, as well as the raising of the crossing-exit at Belt Line in Carrollton; those are 2 definite changes.

Maybe this will be like some of the toll road projects have been around here; complete when it comes to drivability, but still some behind-the-scenes and housekeeping to do.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on November 09, 2017, 11:12:37 AM
The 'ultimate' plan for I-35E between PGBT and SH 121:

(https://i.imgur.com/1iLT3HJ.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/8mYlsVj.png)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: compdude787 on November 10, 2017, 01:42:45 AM
24 lanes? (18 when you subtract frontage roads) Wow, that's a lot! What are the traffic counts like on this stretch of road?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 10, 2017, 12:27:52 PM
I couldn't tell you a number, but the traffic through there has been insane. The ridiculous number of lanes seems well justified. If anything they'll have to start making plans to build additional lanes over the top of those 24 lanes if that region of Texas continues to grow like a virus.

I really really hated my last drive North along I-35E between Dallas and Denton this past July. Hopefully the Northbound lanes of I-35E at least have some new asphalt on them. The narrow lanes are terrible. They'll make any driver appreciate normal 12 foot wide lanes. I'm sure there will be LOTS of fender benders and drivers "trading paint" for the next several years until the final build-out of this I-35E expansion is complete.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on November 10, 2017, 12:46:06 PM
The TxDOT traffic map doesn't list any traffic volume for that particular section between the PGBT and SH 121: http://www.txdot.gov/apps/statewide_mapping/StatewidePlanningMap.html

However based on the adjoining sections being at 160,000 and the plans for this collector/express system in addition to the tolled managed lanes, I'm guessing it's around 170,000 - 200,000 right now.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on November 10, 2017, 12:49:38 PM
The statewide planning map (link given a few posts upthread) has AADT data.  For IH35E it is 176,000 between IH 635 and Beltline Road, 167,000 between Beltline Road and PGBT, and 155,000 just north of SH 121T.  There is also a "future traffic" layer that can be consulted and this shows 2035 AADT values ranging between 240,000 and 295,000.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 10, 2017, 06:14:22 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on November 10, 2017, 12:27:52 PM
I couldn't tell you a number, but the traffic through there has been insane. The ridiculous number of lanes seems well justified. If anything they'll have to start making plans to build additional lanes over the top of those 24 lanes if that region of Texas continues to grow like a virus.

I really really hated my last drive North along I-35E between Dallas and Denton this past July. Hopefully the Northbound lanes of I-35E at least have some new asphalt on them. The narrow lanes are terrible. They'll make any driver appreciate normal 12 foot wide lanes. I'm sure there will be LOTS of fender benders and drivers "trading paint" for the next several years until the final build-out of this I-35E expansion is complete.
are there releases plans for the "final"  build out? Is any of the current pavement other than the Lewisville Lake bridge temporary?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 10, 2017, 07:32:47 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 10, 2017, 06:14:22 PM
are there releases plans for the "final"  build out? Is any of the current pavement other than the Lewisville Lake bridge temporary?

The schematics (dated 2010) for the ultimate design are here
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/interstate-highways/ih-35e-from-ih-635-to-us-380/schematics-and-environmental-documents (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/interstate-highways/ih-35e-from-ih-635-to-us-380/schematics-and-environmental-documents)

As far as I know, the next phase of the project is not funded and not scheduled, so it will probably be a long time before we see more work on the corridor.

However, I did notice on a recent visit that right-of-way clearance is continuing in a few spots for the ultimate design.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on November 10, 2017, 07:59:20 PM
Comments on I-35E:

There are a lot of temporary elements that will be demolished when the next phase is constructed. Concrete walls, signage.

Was just on it today and noticed that they did not add any additional main lanes in Carrollton/Farmers Branch. So, now it has more lanes in Lewisville than farther south where the traffic counts are higher.

They are having to mill down rough spots in the brand new pavement everywhere.
They are doing some work at BUSINESS 121 that, due to the timing, appears to be a problem repair.
They recently had to shut down the new SB Lewisville Lake Bridge. They did not give a reason, of course, and it appears the reason may have been to repair a structural problem with the new bridge. Not sure if it was the same place that they had one last January.
I noticed that a lot of the overhead signage for the toll lanes is located over the main lanes.

Basically everyone in the area is pissed about the poor quality/substandard features of the project.

They just announced that they will begin construction soon on the LOOP 288 interchange, and the new Brinker Rd interchange. There are still only 2 lanes each way in this area.
http://www.dentonrc.com/news/denton/2017/10/03/yes-denton-35e-finished (http://www.dentonrc.com/news/denton/2017/10/03/yes-denton-35e-finished)

A new network of more sensitive seismometers was deployed in North Texas last January. It has recorded four very small quakes in the vicinity of the Lake Lewisville Bridge. They are a little east of the bridge, and one was in the neighborhood NE of the FM 407 interchange. We have no data before January 2017 so we don't know if any quakes occurred in the area before then.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on November 10, 2017, 08:38:16 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 10, 2017, 07:32:47 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 10, 2017, 06:14:22 PM
are there releases plans for the "final"  build out? Is any of the current pavement other than the Lewisville Lake bridge temporary?

The schematics (dated 2010) for the ultimate design are here

http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/interstate-highways/ih-35e-from-ih-635-to-us-380/schematics-and-environmental-documents (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/interstate-highways/ih-35e-from-ih-635-to-us-380/schematics-and-environmental-documents)

The schematics show how the final design relates to IH 35E as it existed in 2011, but not the interim design.  The job just finished is a design-build, which means there is no set of advertised construction plans to which we can refer.  Released-for-construction (RFC) plans doubtless exist but would probably require an open records request or an insider contact to obtain.  The RFC plans should eventually be compiled and corrected to produce a finished set of final as-built plans, but this project has been so troubled that I suspect this is fairly far in the future.

When IH 35E widening was going through procurement, a set of reference information documents (RID) was put online.  I think it may still be available.  It included tons of as-built construction plans for IH 35E as it existed before this project.  I suspect it also includes MicroStation DGN files for the schematics:  these are occasionally easier to work with than PDFs because layers can be turned on and off.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on November 10, 2017, 10:32:00 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on November 10, 2017, 08:38:16 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 10, 2017, 07:32:47 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 10, 2017, 06:14:22 PM
are there releases plans for the "final"  build out? Is any of the current pavement other than the Lewisville Lake bridge temporary?

The schematics (dated 2010) for the ultimate design are here

http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/interstate-highways/ih-35e-from-ih-635-to-us-380/schematics-and-environmental-documents (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/interstate-highways/ih-35e-from-ih-635-to-us-380/schematics-and-environmental-documents)

The schematics show how the final design relates to IH 35E as it existed in 2011, but not the interim design.  The job just finished is a design-build, which means there is no set of advertised construction plans to which we can refer.  Released-for-construction (RFC) plans doubtless exist but would probably require an open records request or an insider contact to obtain.  The RFC plans should eventually be compiled and corrected to produce a finished set of final as-built plans, but this project has been so troubled that I suspect this is fairly far in the future.

When IH 35E widening was going through procurement, a set of reference information documents (RID) was put online.  I think it may still be available.  It included tons of as-built construction plans for IH 35E as it existed before this project.  I suspect it also includes MicroStation DGN files for the schematics:  these are occasionally easier to work with than PDFs because layers can be turned on and off.

Here are the schematics for what was built in Phase 1: http://www.35express.org/schematics-and-ROW-maps.php (http://www.35express.org/schematics-and-ROW-maps.php)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on December 03, 2017, 08:50:17 PM
http://www.northtarrantexpress.com/PhotoGalleryNew.asp?ID=68

So according to some of the pics, this whole rebuild was to add two lane toll roads and keep two lane FREE lanes each direction of course. The express toll lanes makes sense, but keeping the free lanes at two do not. Unless I am seeing it wrong.

And it looks like they are going with paving instead of concrete, just like the 183 rebuild.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on February 28, 2018, 09:40:15 PM
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2018/02/28/work-begins-666m-redo-ofi-35e-highway-67-deck-park-plans

Groundbreaking was today (Wednesday) for the "Southern Gateway", a re-do of 2 freeways:  I-35E between the Trinity River and the US 67 exit, and US 67 between I-35E and I-20.  It will cost over $650 million, and will include structuring/preparation for an eventual deck park over I-35E between the Marsalis and Ewing exits.  The park would supposedly be similar in scope to the deck park over Woodall Rodgers Freeway adjacent to downtown.  The "Southern Gateway" work is proposed to be complete by December 2021.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on March 02, 2018, 10:15:58 AM
http://drivemidtown.com/view/photos/

183 redo is coming along nicely, not sure of completion date. Using pavement instead of concrete.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 26, 2018, 05:45:30 PM
I was in DFW yesterday; had to drive to Love Field. Progress along TX-114 & TX-183 seems like it is going slow. More of the work must be concentrated on Loop 12 and TX-183 West of the 114 split. Gotta pay attention to the temporary orange signs. I almost missed the exit for Mockingbird Lane to get over to the airport. The new WB TX-183 bridge over the Trinity is open to traffic while the EB direction going toward downtown is still on the old bridge.

I don't know what to think about the section of TX-114 in Las Colinas. Right now it's in a configuration of 2 free lanes and 1 toll lane in each direction. That just seems like a really tiny bottle neck compared to the huge 6-2-2-6 lane configuration of TX-114/TX-121 in Grapevine. I guess since the road surface in Las Colinas is asphalt this configuration of TX-114 is meant to be temporary, especially since the projects on either side of it are bigger.

Things are kind of blowing up at the intersection of TX-114 and I-35W. Those Buc-cee's convenience stores are gigantic. But, hey! 79¢ giant sized fountain drinks! The new outlet mall, all the restaurants going up and other development might force TX-DOT to fill in the missing freeway on that stretch of TX-114 from US-377 to the big public school complex by FM-156. They really just need to extend the TX-114 freeway West of there to prevent a really serious traffic bottle neck from taking place.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on March 27, 2018, 05:56:11 AM
I don't understand the 4 main lanes on TX 114 through Las Colinas either.  Once the new Toyota Music Factory site is fully complete, traffic volumes may end up convincing the state to add another lane each way, but who knows?

The I-35W/TX 114 area will likely need to add main lanes sooner than later.  It's amazing the amount of development out that way.

It is very easy to miss exits or not be aware of changes with the work along TX 183.  Now, the TX 114 EB exit to WB TX 183 is closed and torn up, with the same going on for the WB TX 114 exit to Loop 12.  Some of the permanent BGSes for EB TX 183 east of Belt Line have been installed even though the construction isn't nearly complete yet.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 04, 2018, 06:24:04 AM
A public meeting is scheduled for the I-35W expansion in Denton County: http://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/dallas/041918.html

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on April 12, 2018, 03:55:19 PM
Quote from: wxfree on March 03, 2016, 09:57:44 PM
How many people here have used the new westbound-to-southbound connector in the Mixmaster?  You probably get accustomed to it, but I've only been there twice (and generally wouldn't be there more than once every few years), and to me it seems really steep.  It has to be steep to get from I-30 down low and cross over the through lanes, but that slope combined with the curve makes it feel like a roller coaster.

Playing around on Google Maps I've found that the situation I complained about was temporary.  A new permanent ramp from I-30 westbound to I-35E southbound was being built at the time I was driving through on the temporary ramp, and the new ramp is less steep (it goes under the northbound mainlanes).  The temporary ramp is now the permanent ramp to Colorado Blvd.  It's still steep, but it's an Interstate to local road connector, not Interstate to Interstate, so it isn't as big a deal.  You can still get to the main southbound lanes from it, because that ramp joins lanes leading from I-30 eastbound (and Riverfront Blvd.) to Colorado Blvd. and I-35E southbound.

Two separate exits from I-30 eastbound lead to the same set of lanes on the same bridge over the river.  The Colorado Blvd. exit puts you farther to the right, in lanes that lead to Colorado Blvd., while the I-35E southbound exit puts you in the left lanes, near the left exit to the main southbound lanes.  The exit to I-35E southbound also leads back to I-30 eastbound, because it converges with the I-35E southbound to I-30 eastbound lanes.  This also means that the southbound-to-eastbound exit also leads back southbound.  This is all very complex.  The lanes lead to the signed designation if you don't change lanes, but they're on the same roadway, so you can weave between the two if you want to get back onto the same highway you just exited.  This could function as a bypass in case mainlanes are closed within the interchange.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 13, 2018, 02:26:46 PM
The SH 360 extension has a ribbon-cutting planned for May 11: http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/arlington/article208618329.html

Quote"We have sent out a 'save the date' note to officials for a May 11 ribbon-cutting," said NTTA spokesman Michael Rey. "... It is tentative, so we will watch the weather and see."

The project stretches from South Green Oaks Boulevard in Arlington to U.S. 287 in Mansfield. To drive the entire toll road will cost $1.62 with a TollTag and $2.44 without one, with drivers billed by mail.

During its 9.7-mile path, the toll road touches Arlington, Grand Prairie and Mansfield.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 13, 2018, 03:34:41 PM
With the TX-360 toll way extension nearing completion the next thing I'd like to see happen in that area is US-287 upgraded to Interstate standards from Heritage Parkway (where the US-287 freeway currently ends) through the TX-360 interchange and down to the freeway segment around Midlothian. Such an upgrade to US-287 looks pretty feasible, even with adding frontage roads.

The situation looks a little more tricky between Midlothian and Waxahachie; a few properties are hugging a little too close to the US-287 main lanes and not set back far enough to allow for new frontage roads. The same problem is present on US-287 between Waxahachie and Ennis. Ultimately US-287 needs to be Interstate the entire way between I-20 in Fort Worth and I-45 in Ennis.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on April 16, 2018, 08:13:28 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on April 13, 2018, 03:34:41 PM
With the TX-360 toll way extension nearing completion the next thing I'd like to see happen in that area is US-287 upgraded to Interstate standards from Heritage Parkway (where the US-287 freeway currently ends) through the TX-360 interchange and down to the freeway segment around Midlothian. Such an upgrade to US-287 looks pretty feasible, even with adding frontage roads.

The situation looks a little more tricky between Midlothian and Waxahachie; a few properties are hugging a little too close to the US-287 main lanes and not set back far enough to allow for new frontage roads. The same problem is present on US-287 between Waxahachie and Ennis. Ultimately US-287 needs to be Interstate the entire way between I-20 in Fort Worth and I-45 in Ennis.

TxDOT is upgrading the Ennis bypass to 4 lanes with grade separations.  I was through there last month and will try to get my photos posted later.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 16, 2018, 10:11:24 PM
Thank God they're doing something about that stretch of US-287 in Ennis. It has always been a "WTF?" head-scratcher seeing US-287 drop down to a dinky 2-lane facility leading up to I-45. Hopefully the re-do from I-45 to the Lake Bardwell Drive (TX-34) exit is all Interstate quality. The US-287 interchange with I-45 is kind of lousy with that tight 35mph loop ramp for SB US-287 to NB I-45. TX DOT will have to re-do that with a new flyover ramp at some point.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on April 16, 2018, 10:24:03 PM
US287 EB Ennis bypass:

Just east of the interchange with TX34
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/872/39700881550_1b400bab81.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23ueoVL)

EB at Ensign Road
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/806/41509482951_e5be03b1a6.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26f3X7x)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/836/26639573737_6d47c1b17c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GA3Mat)

EB at Oak Grove Road
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/40796540194_d855aec990.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25a3W53)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/910/41509483071_7f81ea0e81.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26f3X9B)

Creek just east of Oak Grove Road
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/867/39700881160_d855aec990.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23ueoP3)

At I45
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/819/41509483301_24a8279b38.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26f3Xdz)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on April 17, 2018, 03:59:19 AM
Interesting in the last pic, that not only is US 287 left off the SB BGS, but a control city of Corsicana is used, when the usual control city SB is Houston.  I could see Corsicana being included if the US 287 shield were on there.

Great pix, rte66man.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 17, 2018, 07:02:57 PM
Quote from: rte66man on April 16, 2018, 10:24:03 PM
US287 EB Ennis bypass:

Just east of the interchange with TX34
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/872/39700881550_1b400bab81.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23ueoVL)

EB at Ensign Road
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/806/41509482951_e5be03b1a6.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26f3X7x)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/836/26639573737_6d47c1b17c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GA3Mat)

EB at Oak Grove Road
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/810/40796540194_d855aec990.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/25a3W53)
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/910/41509483071_7f81ea0e81.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26f3X9B)

Creek just east of Oak Grove Road
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/867/39700881160_d855aec990.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/23ueoP3)

At I45
(https://farm1.staticflickr.com/819/41509483301_24a8279b38.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/26f3Xdz)

Did you go down Ensign Rd?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 18, 2018, 04:36:32 AM
A FONSI has been issued for phase 1 of Loop 9 south of Dallas (I-35E to I-45): https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/dallas/041718.html




Loop 9 is an approximately 10-mile proposed new location roadway intended to address population growth, transportation demand, system linkages and connectivity among the existing roadway facilities. As currently proposed, the project would consist of a single two-lane, two-way frontage road within the ultimate proposed ROW footprint for the project (Phase 1). The proposed project would also construct intersections at major cross roads and grade separations at I-35E and the BNSF Railroad.  The proposed ROW would include a median (200 to 364 ft. wide) that would accommodate the future construction of an ultimate access-controlled mainline facility.


As traffic warrants and funding becomes available, Phase 2 of the proposed project would involve the construction of the second two-lane frontage road and the conversion of the two-way frontage road built in Phase 1 to a one-way operation.  As traffic warrants and funding becomes available, Phase 3 would involve the construction of a third frontage road lane in each direction and include the construction of grade separations at specific high-volume intersections.  Phase 4 would involve the construction of the ultimate access-controlled mainlane facility in both directions. 

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on April 18, 2018, 09:01:38 AM
A new 4 mile stretch of express lanes on I-35W are now opened up to traffic!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njEiNn2Q378
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on April 18, 2018, 10:38:13 AM
Don't understand the reasoning of rebuilding the right of way and only building only two free lanes each direction when it could have been three and build oneself some cushion.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 18, 2018, 01:30:57 PM
About 12 miles of widened I-45 main lanes south of Corsicana has recently opened to traffic. It now has 6 lanes (3x3). The interior shoulder is somewhat narrow along much of the length due to the narrow median (which was paved for the widening). On the south end, the interior shoulders are standard width.

There is still work in progress in the Corsicana area.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 18, 2018, 01:39:06 PM
Quote from: longhorn on April 18, 2018, 10:38:13 AM
Don't understand the reasoning of rebuilding the right of way and only building only two free lanes each direction when it could have been three and build oneself some cushion.

The long-term plan is to have four free lanes each way, and right-of-way is set aside for the ultimate width. Having only two free lanes each way is very annoying after all the construction.

The plan for this corridor was formulated at the peak of toll road hegemony in planning, and the lack of new free lanes was due to lack of public funds available and also probably to force more traffic onto the toll lanes and improve financial returns for the private operator.

Of course the pendulum has totally swung in the opposite direction now, with TxDOT not allowing the IH 635 east project to proceed if it has toll lanes, and local interests lobbying to keep the toll lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 18, 2018, 01:43:51 PM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on April 18, 2018, 09:01:38 AM
A new 4 mile stretch of express lanes on I-35W are now opened up to traffic!!

One of the more interesting features is the interchange at IH 820, which features 12 direct-connection ramps, 8 ramps for regular traffic and 4 ramps for the toll lanes (the four connections on the east side)

You can see it at the end of the video.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 18, 2018, 02:10:37 PM
The I-35W and I-820 interchange looks pretty impressive for all the flyover ramps on the Eastern half of the interchange. It doesn't look like they designed any of the toll lane flyover ramps where a "Y" could be added later if/when the I-820 toll lanes are extended West through the interchange.

I'll chime in with agreement over the very odd, underwhelming lane configuration of I-35W. Only 2 free lanes in each direction? That's really anemic. Granted, I-35W in the North part of Fort Worth had only 2 or 3 lanes in each direction before this massive re-build. If 4 free lanes in each direction is the ultimate goal then that's all good. I just hope TX DOT is able to do that capacity expansion sometime in the not distant future. This current configuration is not going to cut it.

It reminds me of the disappointment I felt when seeing the finished expansion of I-820, another 2-2T-2T-2 road. At least in the case of I-35W there may be enough room to add four lanes in each direction. Maybe. I wonder if part of the plan is shaving one or two feet off lane widths so vehicles can "trade paint" more easily. I-820 looks really boxed-in. I don't know how they would add any more free lanes to that configuration. But it's another road that needs it.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 18, 2018, 04:10:09 PM
I also thought the 2+2+2+2 lane setup of I-35W north is a bit disappointing after this massive rebuild. It could've been a 12 lane freeway in the same footprint.

I think the I-35W express lanes will be well-utilized with only 2 free lanes in each direction. It's like "congestion by design" and pay if you want to bypass traffic congestion. The operator of the North Tarrant Express system will probably be satisfied with that situation.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on April 20, 2018, 10:03:26 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 17, 2018, 07:02:57 PM

Did you go down Ensign Rd?


I was in a hurry and didn't take any side detours.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 21, 2018, 10:13:31 AM
Quote from: rte66man on April 20, 2018, 10:03:26 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 17, 2018, 07:02:57 PM

Did you go down Ensign Rd?


I was in a hurry and didn't take any side detours.
It is a very unique old highway. One lane is concrete, the other is gravel
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on April 21, 2018, 06:33:32 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 21, 2018, 10:13:31 AM
Quote from: rte66man on April 20, 2018, 10:03:26 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 17, 2018, 07:02:57 PM

Did you go down Ensign Rd?


I was in a hurry and didn't take any side detours.
It is a very unique old highway. One lane is concrete, the other is gravel
Are there any examples of this outside of this freeway? That is very strange and what is the signed speed limit? Obviously you would need to be very careful switching lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 21, 2018, 11:21:20 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on April 21, 2018, 06:33:32 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 21, 2018, 10:13:31 AM
Quote from: rte66man on April 20, 2018, 10:03:26 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 17, 2018, 07:02:57 PM

Did you go down Ensign Rd?


I was in a hurry and didn't take any side detours.
It is a very unique old highway. One lane is concrete, the other is gravel
Are there any examples of this outside of this freeway? That is very strange and what is the signed speed limit? Obviously you would need to be very careful switching lanes.

The condition that I describe is not on the freeway. It is on a county road https://www.google.com/maps/@32.2046138,-96.6004247,3a,25.5y,168.27h,79.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7tx26D4Az9e-PI1e5qLefg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656 (https://www.google.com/maps/@32.2046138,-96.6004247,3a,25.5y,168.27h,79.89t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s7tx26D4Az9e-PI1e5qLefg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on April 25, 2018, 03:53:18 PM
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/collin-county/2018/04/24/rural-collin-county-residents-finally-get-look-txdots-possible-routes-us-380-bypass

A proposed US 380 bypass around McKinney has found some opposition, especially among those along the possible routings.  The 3 versions all diverge in the Princeton area east of McKinney, and go around McKinney to the north, then return to the current US 380 alignment east of Prosper.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 29, 2018, 10:50:36 AM
A couple items of interest from Thursday's NCTCOG STTC meeting.

1. Completion of the interchange complex at the site of the former Texas Stadium (SH 183/Loop 12/SH 114) now has priority over continuation of the managed lanes into Dallas. With the cancellation of the Trinity Parkway, there is no planned capacity to absorb the managed lanes traffic going into Dallas. I'm glad to see this directive, because it will be nice to get the interchange complex completed in a reasonable amount of time. There has been some kind of work in progress at the site since the late 2000s. I was at the site about two weeks ago, and there is now a large concrete recycling operation.
See item 5 https://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/sttc/documents/web.agenda_sttc042718.pdf (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/sttc/documents/web.agenda_sttc042718.pdf)
"With the Trinity Parkway no longer being included in Mobility 2045, the City of Irving wishes to reprioritize transportation components on the SH 183 corridor. The continuation of tolled managed lanes will be replaced with the construction of interchanges around the old Dallas Cowboys stadium site. Action will be requested to adjust project sequencing and to trade Category 2 funds on SH 183 with Category 4 funds on the IH 635 East project"


2. According to the progress newsletter, the next phase of the DFW connector is scheduled to begin this summer. This project will rebuild and widen the IH 635 interchange and section to the north connecting into FM 2499. I think this is the last major work for the DFW connector. This phase is $370 million. I believe this is part of the overall original design-build contract, so it appears there will not be any bidding needed.
https://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/sttc/2018/04Apr/Ref.Itm_13.10.sttc042718.pdf (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/sttc/2018/04Apr/Ref.Itm_13.10.sttc042718.pdf)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on April 30, 2018, 02:55:09 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on April 29, 2018, 10:50:36 AM
A couple items of interest from Thursday's NCTCOG STTC meeting.

1. Completion of the interchange complex at the site of the former Texas Stadium (SH 183/Loop 12/SH 114) now has priority over continuation of the managed lanes into Dallas. With the cancellation of the Trinity Parkway, there is no planned capacity to absorb the managed lanes traffic going into Dallas. I'm glad to see this directive, because it will be nice to get the interchange complex completed in a reasonable amount of time. There has been some kind of work in progress at the site since the late 2000s. I was at the site about two weeks ago, and there is now a large concrete recycling operation.
See item 5 https://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/sttc/documents/web.agenda_sttc042718.pdf (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/sttc/documents/web.agenda_sttc042718.pdf)
"With the Trinity Parkway no longer being included in Mobility 2045, the City of Irving wishes to reprioritize transportation components on the SH 183 corridor. The continuation of tolled managed lanes will be replaced with the construction of interchanges around the old Dallas Cowboys stadium site. Action will be requested to adjust project sequencing and to trade Category 2 funds on SH 183 with Category 4 funds on the IH 635 East project"


2. According to the progress newsletter, the next phase of the DFW connector is scheduled to begin this summer. This project will rebuild and widen the IH 635 interchange and section to the north connecting into FM 2499. I think this is the last major work for the DFW connector. This phase is $370 million. I believe this is part of the overall original design-build contract, so it appears there will not be any bidding needed.
https://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/sttc/2018/04Apr/Ref.Itm_13.10.sttc042718.pdf (https://www.nctcog.org/trans/committees/sttc/2018/04Apr/Ref.Itm_13.10.sttc042718.pdf)

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dallas%2FFort+Worth+International+Airport/@32.9564776,-97.0397256,2902m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x864c2a660d222aa7:0x73323f5e067d201c!2sDallas%2FFort+Worth+International+Airport!8m2!3d32.8998091!4d-97.0403352!3m4!1s0x864c2a660d222aa7:0x73323f5e067d201c!8m2!3d32.8998091!4d-97.0403352

I remember going through this area as kid, aren't the connectors in this area from the late 70s?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on May 01, 2018, 12:34:12 AM
The 114/121 interchange was completed 1973. The westernmost section of I-635 was opened 1981
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on May 01, 2018, 10:04:10 PM
Some flyover ramps had beginned to take shape at the TX-183/114/Loop-12 complex from what I saw on this satellite shot.
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.84254,-96.90544&z=16&t=S

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 02, 2018, 12:08:35 AM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 01, 2018, 10:04:10 PM
Some flyover ramps had beginned to take shape at the TX-183/114/Loop-12 complex from what I saw on this satellite shot.
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.84254,-96.90544&z=16&t=S

They're still there, not finished or ready for traffic yet.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on May 02, 2018, 07:43:03 PM
Is there some plans to extent TX-360 south of US-287? From the aerial shots I saw, http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.52281,-97.08240&z=16&t=S  They seem to left a stub like if there was some long-range plans for a southernly extension.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: aboges26 on May 02, 2018, 11:23:34 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on May 02, 2018, 07:43:03 PM
Is there some plans to extent TX-360 south of US-287? From the aerial shots I saw, http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.52281,-97.08240&z=16&t=S  They seem to left a stub like if there was some long-range plans for a southernly extension.

It will most likely end up at I-35W in the vicinity of Grandview, of course that's if it's current trajectory is assumed, since SH 360 leads right to Arlington and would complete a high speed connection to points south that bypasses having to I-20 or I-30.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 03, 2018, 12:35:51 AM
TxDOT's designation file for TX 360 does still extend south of US 287 (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/tpp/hwy/sh/sh0360.htm) but says its terminus would end up at US 67.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 10, 2018, 09:53:05 PM
According to the article, the new tolled main lanes between Camp Wisdom-Sublett and US 287 on TX 360 should be open by this weekend.  Tolls for the main lanes will be $1.62 with a TollTag, $2.44 without (no mention of the variable tolls like with I-635, north Loop 820, or I-35W-North Frwy.).  The extension is 9.7 miles long.

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/your-commute/article210778864.html

-----------------------
Other related articles:

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/mansfield-news-mirror/mnm-news/article189301794.html
http://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/arlington/article208618329.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on May 11, 2018, 12:57:11 AM
The complete toll rate chart is available.  The ramp just to bypass the Sublett/Camp Wisdom intersection will cost 28 cents.  $1.11 will pay for the road between the free lanes and south of Broad St.
https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/rates/Pages/Toll-Rate-Charts.aspx (https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/rates/Pages/Toll-Rate-Charts.aspx)

To see a complete map of ramps and toll points, open the progress report.
https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/projprog/Pages/360-Tollway.aspx (https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/projprog/Pages/360-Tollway.aspx)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 14, 2018, 03:36:35 AM
More since the TX 360 tolled mainlanes opening (with video):
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Drivers-and-Businesses-Excited-as-360-Tollway-Opens-for-First-Weekend-482492271.html?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 15, 2018, 06:50:04 AM
Flashback.... to the early days in the formation of Dallas' Woodall Rodgers Freeway.  The news report from 1969 showed the ROW had been cleared except around the eventual I-35E interchange and in the West End area.  Also, the recently-done work where US 75's interchange would be is also shown.  Little did the reporter--nor the rest of Dallas--realize that almost a decade would pass before the freeway would be considered complete.
(Newsreel footage originally done by WFAA/8, since donated to SMU)

https://youtu.be/d6sBFaD4muw
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on May 15, 2018, 06:05:40 PM
The design for the expansion of SH 161 from four lanes to eight has been released.  It calls for four lanes each way to just south of the Conflans Rd. exit.  That pavement was already built on the toll section, so the new lanes will just require restriping.  On the non-toll section, the expansion will mainly be accommodated by paving the median, with some new road surface at a few places on the outer edges.  The northbound side will reduce to three lanes north of Walnut Hill Ln. and will have three lanes to north of Belt Line Rd.  The southbound side will have four lanes starting after the old toll booth.  NTTA could expand their section to six lanes with very little work.  The TxDOT section extends nearly to the point where the pavement widens at the toll booth.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 15, 2018, 06:38:07 PM
New article about an initial TxDOT proposal about redoing I-30 in and just east of downtown Dallas. It shows the same path as now, with the freeway sunken eastward to before the Munger/Barry exit. The article says the initial plan takes a wider path for main lanes and service roads. The Cesar Chavez bridge would be straightened/simplified, and the new exit for 1st & 2nd Avenues would be combined into one overpass/exit at the freeway crossing. I can't tell any other major differences from it, other than a few properties mostly east of I-45 would be needed for the expansion, the biggest of which would be a chunk of the City's police parking and marshal complex. D Magazine is a bit dramatic about the tone of the article, but this isn't something set in stone. At least this plan includes something many have wanted--below grade freeway lanes between Deep Ellum and Fair Park.

https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2018/05/txdots-secret-plan-to-destroy-downtown-dallas/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on May 15, 2018, 06:58:58 PM
Quote from: txstateends on May 15, 2018, 06:38:07 PM
New article about an initial TxDOT proposal about redoing I-30 in and just east of downtown Dallas. It shows the same path as now, with the freeway sunken eastward to before the Munger/Barry exit. The article says the initial plan takes a wider path for main lanes and service roads. The Cesar Chavez bridge would be straightened/simplified, and the new exit for 1st & 2nd Avenues would be combined into one overpass/exit at the freeway crossing. I can't tell any other major differences from it, other than a few properties mostly east of I-45 would be needed for the expansion, the biggest of which would be a chunk of the City's police parking and marshal complex. D Magazine is a bit dramatic about the tone of the article, but this isn't something set in stone. At least this plan includes something many have wanted--below grade freeway lanes between Deep Ellum and Fair Park.

https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2018/05/txdots-secret-plan-to-destroy-downtown-dallas/
No they are completely right. Increasing mobility and modernizing the freeway addressing capacity issues will destroy Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas. They are being dramatic at alllll.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 18, 2018, 10:03:31 PM
The latest work and lane change info on the TX 183 "Midtown Express" project:

http://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/your-commute/article211357659.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 29, 2018, 04:09:52 AM
After the "LBJ East" project, there are $24 billion worth of other local projects (all in TxDOT's Dallas District):
* I-30 downtown Dallas "canyon"
* I-30 between I-45 and Lake Ray Hubbard
* I-30 between Lake Ray Hubbard and Rockwall-Hunt Co. line
* I-35E between I-635 and US 380 (2nd phase)
* I-35E between Oak Lawn and TX 183
* US 75 between Collin Co. Road 360 to Grayson Co. line
* US 80 between I-30 and FM 480 near Forney
* TX 114 & TX 183, Irving (2nd phase)
* TX 121 between Collin Co. Outer Loop and Fannin Co. line
* TX 205 between TX 78 and US 80
* Loop 9 between I-35E and I-45

The article says they are all priority projects, but the funding isn't there yet for them all.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2018/05/28/lbj-east-okd-question-pay-24-billion-upcoming-mega-projects-remains
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on May 29, 2018, 02:51:37 PM
I think they're going to have to do something about TX-114 between Roanoke (the TX-114 & TX-170 split) and the public school complex West of Texas Motor Speedway. Traffic along that road is getting ridiculous. Texas Motor Speedway produces enough of its own traffic on race days. Now there's a new outlet mall, a growing number of restaurants and a huge Buc-cee's travel stop across the highway. Traffic backs up at the signal lights starting at the intersection at I-35W down to the intersection at US-377. I really don't like the one at US-377. Sometimes I wonder if the TX-114 bridges over the railroad next to US-377 can take all the vehicles constantly parked on them.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 29, 2018, 03:08:29 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on May 29, 2018, 02:51:37 PM
I think they're going to have to do something about TX-114 between Roanoke (the TX-114 & TX-170 split) and the public school complex West of Texas Motor Speedway. Traffic along that road is getting ridiculous. Texas Motor Speedway produces enough of its own traffic on race days. Now there's a new outlet mall, a growing number of restaurants and a huge Buc-cee's travel stop across the highway. Traffic backs up at the signal lights starting at the intersection at I-35W down to the intersection at US-377. I really don't like the one at US-377. Sometimes I wonder if the TX-114 bridges over the railroad next to US-377 can take all the vehicles constantly parked on them.

They didn't include priority projects from the Fort Worth district in the article, but I would guess the TX 114 section you mentioned would be one of theirs.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on May 29, 2018, 03:22:49 PM
Judging by Google Earth imagery, there appears to be some grade-separation going on at SH 114 / FM 156. Which is west of the Texas Motor Speedway.

They also built a new ramp coming from Denton to the Tanger Outlet, so traffic going there doesn't have to cross the SH 114 traffic signals.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on May 29, 2018, 08:29:15 PM
IMO, the Northwest ISD school complex needs grade separation badly.  I'm pretty sure with the rate of growth out that way, the school 'rush hours' there are just crazy.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on May 30, 2018, 05:12:14 PM
Quote from: ChrisJudging by Google Earth imagery, there appears to be some grade-separation going on at SH 114 / FM 156. Which is west of the Texas Motor Speedway.

They also built a new ramp coming from Denton to the Tanger Outlet, so traffic going there doesn't have to cross the SH 114 traffic signals.

All of the current construction activity on TX-114 just West of the Texas Motor Speedway seems only related to the new TX-114 exit with FM-156. Grade separation with Double Eagle Blvd is a little bonus (and that part was finished first). That project has been in progress for four years. I don't know why it's taking so long to finish. I've seen complex 4-level stack interchanges in the DFW area get built faster than this. It took between 2011 and 2014 just to finish the TX-114 frontage roads in front of the speedway.

The new ramp off I-35W will be convenient for people going to the Tanger Outlet or Buc-cee's. Ultimately there may need to be a freeway to freeway stack interchange built in this location. Right now freeway main lanes on TX-114 are the most urgent concern.

Quote from: txstateendsIMO, the Northwest ISD school complex needs grade separation badly.  I'm pretty sure with the rate of growth out that way, the school 'rush hours' there are just crazy.

I drove through that area the previous couple of weekends (trips to/from DFW airport, dining/movie watching in Southlake). The way it looks right now any potential TX-114 freeway is going to end immediately West of the new FM-156 exit. All the new pavement in front of the huge Northwest ISD school district complex is configured for standard 4 lane expressway standards with at grade intersections, traffic lights and a 20mph school zone speed limit. The combination is already creating a traffic bottleneck. And that sure won't end even if TX-114 is a full blown freeway from TX-156 into Grapevine. Westbound traffic will be coming to a screeching halt all of a sudden.

For now, there is enough vacant land next to TX-114 on its North side where the road can be widened into a freeway-with-frontage-roads configuration. A new TX-114 freeway could easily be built a mile farther West of the school, ending just past the crossing over the BNSF rail line. A new housing development just North of TX-114 built a fancy entrance that would have to be removed and re-built however. Farther West of the rail line some properties would have to be cleared in order to convert TX-114 into a freeway all the way to the US-287 interchange. But that's ultimately what really needs to be done.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on June 02, 2018, 05:49:31 PM
TxDOT wants to add service roads to I-30 over the part of Lake Ray Hubbard between Bass Pro Drive and Dalrock Road in order to ease congestion.  The project completion is set for 2023.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on June 07, 2018, 03:46:51 PM
http://drivemidtown.com/view/photos/

Updated photos of the 183 reconstruction. Again,suprised they did not use concrete.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on June 07, 2018, 11:10:21 PM
Quote from: longhorn on June 07, 2018, 03:46:51 PM
http://drivemidtown.com/view/photos/

Updated photos of the 183 reconstruction. Again,suprised they did not use concrete.

When a really hot summer comes along (like 1980 >ugh!!<), they'll wish they'd used concrete, but oh well.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on June 07, 2018, 11:43:36 PM
Dallas' "Southern Gateway" project update:

The bridge for 8th Street (historic US 80, more recently TX 180) over I-35E will be removed over the weekend.  All I-35E traffic will be detoured to the service roads.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2018/06/07/35e-shutdown-oak-cliff-bridge-demolition-will-funnel-traffic-onto-frontage-roads-weekend
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on June 08, 2018, 06:58:37 AM
Does Texas even build Cement roads any more?  :confused:
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on June 08, 2018, 09:13:44 AM
TxDOT uses Portland cement concrete extensively for Interstates, notably the widened parts of I-35 between Dallas and Austin.  Unlike the case in Kansas and Nebraska, however, I cannot think of any two-lane concrete roads in Texas.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on June 08, 2018, 12:36:53 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 08, 2018, 09:13:44 AM
TxDOT uses Portland cement concrete extensively for Interstates, notably the widened parts of I-35 between Dallas and Austin.  Unlike the case in Kansas and Nebraska, however, I cannot think of any two-lane concrete roads in Texas.

Is Portland Cement a brand or  type of cement?

And yes, the expanded I-35 from Hillsboro to Temple and Belton to Salado is concrete. I-35 E  is concrete too and is about to get an extra lane added.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: TXtoNJ on June 08, 2018, 12:58:24 PM
Quote from: longhorn on June 08, 2018, 12:36:53 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 08, 2018, 09:13:44 AM
TxDOT uses Portland cement concrete extensively for Interstates, notably the widened parts of I-35 between Dallas and Austin.  Unlike the case in Kansas and Nebraska, however, I cannot think of any two-lane concrete roads in Texas.

Is Portland Cement a brand or  type of cement?

And yes, the expanded I-35 from Hillsboro to Temple and Belton to Salado is concrete. I-35 E  is concrete too and is about to get an extra lane added.

Type, in opposition to asphalt concrete.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on June 08, 2018, 01:34:47 PM
Quote from: longhorn on June 08, 2018, 12:36:53 PM
Is Portland Cement a brand or  type of cement?

This is delving into semantics, but "cement" or more specifically, "Portland cement" is an ingredient in concrete.  Cement is not a synonym for concrete, but rather is an ingredient.  Portland cement is the most common type of cement used in concrete and other concrete like products.

Quote from: TXtoNJ on June 08, 2018, 12:58:24 PM
Type, in opposition to asphalt concrete.

Asphalt concrete contains "asphalt cement" which is obviously a different type of cement than that that is used in concrete.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on June 15, 2018, 07:02:23 AM
US 75 in Plano from south of 15th Street to just south of the Bush Turnpike will be closed from Friday evening to Monday morning.  Workers will be removing the EB part of the Plano Parkway bridge, as part of work to redo the northside on- and off- ramps connecting the Bush Turnpike to US 75.

https://www.nbcdfw.com/traffic/stories/US-75-to-be-Closed-in-Plano-All-Weekend-485343261.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MCRoads on June 17, 2018, 01:57:20 AM
Anybody already mention the two new reversible (tolled, of corse) DFW is getting?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on June 17, 2018, 07:48:01 AM
Quote from: MCRoads on June 17, 2018, 01:57:20 AM
Anybody already mention the two new reversible (tolled, of corse) DFE is getting?
hopefully there will be plans make that four tolled lanes eventually?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on June 28, 2018, 12:28:27 PM
Another new project:  TxDOT is planning improvements from SE Fort Worth to Mansfield, which will include:
* I-820 south of Meadowbrook
* I-20, Forest Hill to Kelly-Elliott
* US 287 SE to Sublett Road

A public meeting will be held at a high school in Fort Worth on July 19.  Construction would start in or after 2022.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article213845244.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on June 28, 2018, 01:06:46 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on June 08, 2018, 01:34:47 PM
Quote from: longhorn on June 08, 2018, 12:36:53 PMIs Portland Cement a brand or  type of cement?

This is delving into semantics, but "cement" or more specifically, "Portland cement" is an ingredient in concrete.  Cement is not a synonym for concrete, but rather is an ingredient.  Portland cement is the most common type of cement used in concrete and other concrete like products.

Portland cement gets its name from the island of Portland just off the southern English coast, from which much of the pale gray building stone that was used to build official London was quarried.  Portland cement concrete usually has the same color as Portland stone, though its color can be altered by adding pigments to the cement.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on June 28, 2018, 03:28:30 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on June 28, 2018, 01:06:46 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on June 08, 2018, 01:34:47 PM
Quote from: longhorn on June 08, 2018, 12:36:53 PMIs Portland Cement a brand or  type of cement?

This is delving into semantics, but "cement" or more specifically, "Portland cement" is an ingredient in concrete.  Cement is not a synonym for concrete, but rather is an ingredient.  Portland cement is the most common type of cement used in concrete and other concrete like products.

Portland cement gets its name from the island of Portland just off the southern English coast, from which much of the pale gray building stone that was used to build official London was quarried.  Portland cement concrete usually has the same color as Portland stone, though its color can be altered by adding pigments to the cement.

Sometimes in my mind I see concrete as a different color than it really is.  It's just a pigment of my imagination.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on June 29, 2018, 10:17:19 PM
 
Quote from: wxfree on June 28, 2018, 03:28:30 PM
Sometimes in my mind I see concrete as a different color than it really is.  It's just a pigment of my imagination.

:pan:
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on July 08, 2018, 07:44:44 PM
Video of some of the recently completed TEXpress lanes through Tarrant County:

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on July 14, 2018, 07:50:43 PM
Here are some photos of the new I-35W with managed lanes.  These photos are taken today from the 28th St. (SH 183) overpass.

This shows the overpass and freeway.  It's in an elongated bowl shape, with the managed lanes lower than the general purpose lanes.  The clearance shown over the far right lane is 20.0 feet.  It's higher above the left lane and managed lanes.  I was on the left side of the frontage road north of 28th St.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.patternsandprinciples.com%2Frs%2FImage00003.jpg&hash=460889687acb20bbff61ae39650814bf4f0a9475)

This is looking straight across toward the northbound frontage road.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.patternsandprinciples.com%2Frs%2FImage00004.jpg&hash=2ba5176d97b42eb2bf6d59220baa6f4599782c52)

This is looking north.  There's an entrance to and exit from the managed lanes north of 28th St.  I didn't notice the high mast lighting between the GP lanes and managed lanes while driving, but I noticed in the photos.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.patternsandprinciples.com%2Frs%2FImage00005.jpg&hash=496e24342862900020364b55d2213ec6216fb82d)

This is the view south, toward downtown.  There's still some work on the northbound managed lanes. 
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.patternsandprinciples.com%2Frs%2FImage00006.jpg&hash=0e3239b84201006f0b9751e2ee432abf23c8c7db)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Anthony_JK on July 14, 2018, 10:14:30 PM
Ugh. Why only 2 GP lanes in each direction? Hopefully they find the cash to upgrade to a 3-2-2-3 setup. Other than that, a nice roadway.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on July 14, 2018, 11:18:10 PM
Quote from: Anthony_JK on July 14, 2018, 10:14:30 PM
Ugh. Why only 2 GP lanes in each direction? Hopefully they find the cash to upgrade to a 3-2-2-3 setup. Other than that, a nice roadway.

The obvious answer is that it was built this way to reduce the cost and to limit the capacity increase to help drive congestion and managed lane use.

The final configuration calls for 4 lanes in each direction all the way to US 81, with 2 managed lanes south of I-820 and 2 or 3 north of there.  The specifications note the potential for deferment of additional lanes.  Having a quick look at the CDA, I can find where a third lane is provided for along I-820, but I didn't find any reference to additional lanes here.  I don't know when they're planned or under what conditions.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on July 15, 2018, 10:47:43 AM
I am really unhappy with the way construction was handled on this project.  TxDOT resorted to a CDA (North Tarrant Express) partly because that was the then preferred method for high-profile projects, and partly because an early contract commitment was necessary in order to use ARRA stimulus funds and the design could not have been developed to 100% PSE (necessary for design-bid-build) in time to meet the deadline.

The chosen developer was a Ferrovial joint venture, which initially planned to carry out the actual design and construction work through a series of consecutively numbered RFPs that would be let essentially as small design or construction contracts.  Because I wanted access to the released-for-construction plans, I familiarized myself with the project website and signed up for notification emails for contract advertisements.

After the first few notification emails, I realized that the Ferrovial JV would not be uploading RFC plans to the Web where anyone could download them, but rather expected prospective contractors to respond to each RFP email to obtain access to a file transfer site where the documents for that RFP were hosted.  The username and password was different for each RFP and I believe several different hosting platforms were used over the life of the project.  Some RFPs had special requirements and in one case responding to the RFP email resulted in paper documents being overnighted to me via FedEx--a totally unnecessary expense since I had zero interest in bidding and just wanted RFC plans in electronic format.  I wondered if I was getting all of the emails that were being sent out, because the ones I was getting seemed to be skipping RFP numbers and functional discipline groups like drainage, utility relocation, stormwater pollution prevention, etc.

Around the time the JV was starting to advertise RFPs for traffic work such as lighting, signing, marking, and sign structures, I got an email inviting me to an industry meeting for DBEs.  Naturally, I did not go, since my interest was limited to traffic plans and I wanted to "let my fingers do the walking" for those.  Around that time the RFP notification emails dried up and RFP notices ceased to be placed on the project website.  The ostensible purpose of the DBE meeting was to advise contractors of upcoming bid opportunities, but I think the real reason was to discontinue email and public Web notification of RFPs and wash out anyone who did not seek face time with the developer representatives.

I did eventually score a set of RFC plans for signing and marking, but I believe it comprises only part of the project since the plan sheets reference adjacent segments whose signing and marking is not included.

Contrast this with the I-405 Bellevue to Lynnwood design-build in Washington state, which had a dedicated folder on WSDOT's public-access FTP server and allowed interested members of the public to follow the evolution of each functional group over multiple drafts of the plans.  If a similar approach had been used for the NTE, we would have had access to the complete design and would have been able to develop a fuller understanding of the design intent.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 16, 2018, 12:10:24 PM
I saw via TXDOT project tracker then I-30 (Tom Landry Fwy), they'll add frontage roads from TX-161 to Beltline Road in Grand Prairie.  I saw some construction on Google Streetview where the shots was from January 2018.  https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7593317,-97.009156,3a,75y,211.92h,97.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s77cAb_MZv0GWE4cE1psxwg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on July 25, 2018, 09:59:46 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wyJBOv-vLmc

July update, almost done.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: chays on July 27, 2018, 01:40:30 PM
Does anyone have any updates on the US-175 (CF Hawn Freeway) extension to I-45 in Dallas?  I can't find any project schedule dates, but I believe it is due to be completed this year.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: inkyatari on July 27, 2018, 02:06:55 PM
Quote from: chays on July 27, 2018, 01:40:30 PM
Does anyone have any updates on the US-175 (CF Hawn Freeway) extension to I-45 in Dallas?  I can't find any project schedule dates, but I believe it is due to be completed this year.

All I could find is this..

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Progress-on-Hwy-175-SM-Wright-Freeway-to-Boulevard-plan-482425331.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on July 27, 2018, 11:29:06 PM
While we're in Pavement 101 .... What's the difference between "asphalt" and "asphaltic concrete"?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 28, 2018, 05:15:21 PM
Quote from: chays on July 27, 2018, 01:40:30 PM
Does anyone have any updates on the US-175 (CF Hawn Freeway) extension to I-45 in Dallas?  I can't find any project schedule dates, but I believe it is due to be completed this year.

Would be a stretch if it were this year.  I'm sure many are very much looking forward to it finally getting done.  It's too bad the new terminus won't have all 4 movements (maybe when there's more $$?).  Quite a local debate over whether the change of S.M. Wright should be 4 lanes or 6, some were thinking 4 lanes would leave room for commercial development, but I think TxDOT/Dallas/whoever decided it should be 6 lanes for the parkway/boulevard.  I guess the decision in the TV report about the city accepting maintenance for S.M. Wright north of U.S. 175 means that the TX 310 designation will stay where it is now, to the south.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 28, 2018, 07:45:31 PM
Southern Gateway construction:
Over the weekend, the Beckley overpass between Zang and the Dallas Zoo will be dismantled, so all I-35E traffic will be detoured to the service roads.

https://dfw.cbslocal.com/2018/07/27/interstate-35e-closed-dallas-bridge-demolition/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 29, 2018, 03:24:07 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 16, 2018, 12:10:24 PM
I saw via TXDOT project tracker then I-30 (Tom Landry Fwy), they'll add frontage roads from TX-161 to Beltline Road in Grand Prairie.  I saw some construction on Google Streetview where the shots was from January 2018.  https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7593317,-97.009156,3a,75y,211.92h,97.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s77cAb_MZv0GWE4cE1psxwg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Sorry for quoting myself. ^^; But I founded some schematics about the present construction of I-30/Tom Landry Frwy service roads between TX-161 and Beltine Road.
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/interstate-highways/ih-30-from-sh-161-to-belt-line-road

Any long-range plans to add additionnal gaps of service roads along the Tom Landry Freeway?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on July 30, 2018, 05:45:32 AM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 29, 2018, 03:24:07 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 16, 2018, 12:10:24 PM
I saw via TXDOT project tracker then I-30 (Tom Landry Fwy), they'll add frontage roads from TX-161 to Beltline Road in Grand Prairie.  I saw some construction on Google Streetview where the shots was from January 2018.  https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7593317,-97.009156,3a,75y,211.92h,97.67t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s77cAb_MZv0GWE4cE1psxwg!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Sorry for quoting myself. ^^; But I founded some schematics about the present construction of I-30/Tom Landry Frwy service roads between TX-161 and Beltine Road.
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/interstate-highways/ih-30-from-sh-161-to-belt-line-road

Any long-range plans to add additionnal gaps of service roads along the Tom Landry Freeway?

I've not heard of any.  It would be difficult in some places due to landforms and built-up areas.  Then you have spots like between Oakland and the east part of I-820 in east Fort Worth where city streets (Bridge St. and Brentwood Stair Dr. in this case) form out-of-ROW service road-type access.  Many retrofits would have to happen along I-30 for there to be a much greater availability of service roads.  Since this part of I-30 was originally built as the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike, it wasn't built with service roads (or easy, uncomplicated on/off exits) in mind.  It's much like the reason so many of the exits and interchanges have been redone in the years since the Turnpike became part of I-30.  If more of I-30 had business/commercial frontage similar to what's near the Cowboys and Rangers stadiums in Arlington, or the latter-day Cockrell Hill Rd. exit in west Dallas, there would likely be more call for adding more service roads.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Great Lakes Roads on August 01, 2018, 01:40:59 PM
A major project is done within the DFW metro area!! The I-35W express lanes project had its ribbon cutting and all lanes are open!!  :clap: :clap: :clap: :nod: :nod: :nod:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXMqLRtGirM&feature=push-u-sub&attr_tag=hiuoZiQDQjPNOzIK%3A6
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on August 02, 2018, 02:58:28 PM
TexRail bridge over SH 114/121 at Grapevine has been built.

SH 114/ FM 156 Interchange is now a functioning diamond interchange. Portable signals are in use while permanent signals are constructed
Old FM 156 bridge over Elizabeth Creek is being replaced. The old one was built in 1921, way before the road became FM 156.
Eagle Parkway has been tied directly into FM 156, eliminating the old intersection.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on August 02, 2018, 03:50:57 PM
In an outskirts project, the expansion of the US 67 bypass around Cleburne to a freeway is nearly complete.  Everything has been built and everything except part of the SH 174 interchange is open.  Traffic is reduced to one lane each way and is directed over the old overpass, but stripes have been painted on the new overpass.  The loop ramps appear to be finished except for paint and reflectors.  It's a half-cloverleaf, with loops for the left turns off the freeway.  There are still some overhead sign structures to be built over the southbound lanes, which have been open the whole time because they're on the old roadway.

This week for the first time I noticed Google Maps showed the new roads.  Yesterday routing directions starting using them.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on August 03, 2018, 09:36:49 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on August 01, 2018, 01:40:59 PM
A major project is done within the DFW metro area!! The I-35W express lanes project had its ribbon cutting and all lanes are open!!  :clap: :clap: :clap: :nod: :nod: :nod:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXMqLRtGirM&feature=push-u-sub&attr_tag=hiuoZiQDQjPNOzIK%3A6

So the project is essentially complete ?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: TXtoNJ on August 03, 2018, 10:57:55 AM
Quote from: wxfree on August 02, 2018, 03:50:57 PM
In an outskirts project, the expansion of the US 67 bypass around Cleburne to a freeway is nearly complete.  Everything has been built and everything except part of the SH 174 interchange is open.  Traffic is reduced to one lane each way and is directed over the old overpass, but stripes have been painted on the new overpass.  The loop ramps appear to be finished except for paint and reflectors.  It's a half-cloverleaf, with loops for the left turns off the freeway.  There are still some overhead sign structures to be built over the southbound lanes, which have been open the whole time because they're on the old roadway.

This week for the first time I noticed Google Maps showed the new roads.  Yesterday routing directions starting using them.

Capacity for traffic into and around Cleburne has drastically increased since 2018. It would not shock me to see significant exurban development north of the 67 corridor over the next 10 years.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 03, 2018, 02:25:29 PM
Quote from: longhorn on August 03, 2018, 09:36:49 AM
Quote from: Great Lakes Roads on August 01, 2018, 01:40:59 PM
A major project is done within the DFW metro area!! The I-35W express lanes project had its ribbon cutting and all lanes are open!!  :clap: :clap: :clap: :nod: :nod: :nod:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXMqLRtGirM&feature=push-u-sub&attr_tag=hiuoZiQDQjPNOzIK%3A6

So the project is essentially complete ?

Sort of.  There's still some activity around the parts that aren't affected by main-lane drivers, plus the work just north of the picture at Belknap/Airport Frwy. still goes on; it's considered a separate project than the main North Freeway/I-35W work has been.  Some locals are concerned that the North Freeway is turning out like the work recently done on the north loop part of I-820; lots of dirt flying, new pavement and paint, but no net increase in the amount of non-tolled lanes.  The ramps and connections to/from Belknap/Airport Frwy. sure could use more work (and even re-engineering) but something tells me it will be years (and more $$$$ from somewhere) before that would be addressed. 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on August 03, 2018, 11:19:31 PM
Quote from: TXtoNJ on August 03, 2018, 10:57:55 AM
Quote from: wxfree on August 02, 2018, 03:50:57 PM
In an outskirts project, the expansion of the US 67 bypass around Cleburne to a freeway is nearly complete.  Everything has been built and everything except part of the SH 174 interchange is open.  Traffic is reduced to one lane each way and is directed over the old overpass, but stripes have been painted on the new overpass.  The loop ramps appear to be finished except for paint and reflectors.  It's a half-cloverleaf, with loops for the left turns off the freeway.  There are still some overhead sign structures to be built over the southbound lanes, which have been open the whole time because they're on the old roadway.

This week for the first time I noticed Google Maps showed the new roads.  Yesterday routing directions starting using them.

Capacity for traffic into and around Cleburne has drastically increased since 2018. It would not shock me to see significant exurban development north of the 67 corridor over the next 10 years.

The area between Godley and Joshua has been filling in for a while, and it seems to be going faster.  Godley recently opened a new high school, and I've heard they'll have to build another one soon because of the acceleration of growth.  I remember that area being rural, but now most of the day traffic is substantial.  The only major road goes east and west and is narrow and curvy and there's a big gap in between good north-south roads.

Unrelated, but in the same area, at the south end of the Chisholm Trail Parkway where the road narrows to one southbound lane, significantly long lines build up at the traffic signal.  People pay upwards of $5 to drive in quickly from Fort Worth and end up in a quarter-mile line of cars.  In the final build-out, there will be two lanes and direct connectors will enable traffic headed toward the bypass to avoid that signal.  Cleburne's building a new high school, too, but they've been needing a bigger one for the past 20 years.  Hopefully they don't need another one in 10 years.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Duke87 on August 04, 2018, 01:19:05 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on July 27, 2018, 11:29:06 PM
While we're in Pavement 101 .... What's the difference between "asphalt" and "asphaltic concrete"?

No difference. "Asphaltic concrete" is just the technical term for what laymen refer to as "asphalt".

This is in contrast to "Portland cement concrete", which laymen refer to as "concrete".


In technical terms, "concrete" describes any conglomerate material consisting of an aggregate (typically gravel or crushed stone) and something to bind it together. Chocolate chip cookie dough could also be thought of as a type of concrete since it also meets this description. :P
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: mgk920 on August 04, 2018, 10:18:24 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on August 04, 2018, 01:19:05 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on July 27, 2018, 11:29:06 PM
While we're in Pavement 101 .... What's the difference between "asphalt" and "asphaltic concrete"?

No difference. "Asphaltic concrete" is just the technical term for what laymen refer to as "asphalt".

This is in contrast to "Portland cement concrete", which laymen refer to as "concrete".


In technical terms, "concrete" describes any conglomerate material consisting of an aggregate (typically gravel or crushed stone) and something to bind it together. Chocolate chip cookie dough could also be thought of as a type of concrete since it also meets this description. :P

Or a Culver's Concrete Shake.

:nod:

Mike
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on August 04, 2018, 11:38:57 AM
Quote from: Duke87 on August 04, 2018, 01:19:05 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on July 27, 2018, 11:29:06 PMWhile we're in Pavement 101 .... What's the difference between "asphalt" and "asphaltic concrete"?

No difference. "Asphaltic concrete" is just the technical term for what laymen refer to as "asphalt".

This is in contrast to "Portland cement concrete", which laymen refer to as "concrete".

In technical terms, "concrete" describes any conglomerate material consisting of an aggregate (typically gravel or crushed stone) and something to bind it together. Chocolate chip cookie dough could also be thought of as a type of concrete since it also meets this description. :P

Reference works from the early days of dustless road construction (1890-1920) used to speak of Trinidad lake asphalt (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pitch_Lake), a form of naturally occurring bitumen.  The binders now used for modern asphaltic concrete (bituminous pavement being another term for it) tend to originate as heavy fractions from the crude petroleum distilling process.

Macadam is another term for pavement made of relatively fine particles bound somehow.  Bituminous macadam can be asphaltic concrete, while waterbound macadam forms the surface of what we Americans call gravel roads.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on August 24, 2018, 11:53:58 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=374&v=sYR86FjXF8I
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 24, 2018, 06:19:20 PM
Quote from: longhorn on August 24, 2018, 11:53:58 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=374&v=sYR86FjXF8I

The upcoming I-820 work south of Airport Freeway and north of I-30.... very much needed, especially that WTH interchange with the part of TX 121 coming from downtown Fort Worth.  I'm sure the narrow part of I-820 south of there to past the Trinity River is no commuting/rush-hour picnic, either.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on August 26, 2018, 01:05:52 AM
TxDOT is now calling the project to redo I-20, I-820, and US 287 in SE Fort Worth, Arlington, and vicinity, as the "Southeast Connector".  It looks like there may be more right-of-way needed, with several properties in the area possibly being affected.

The area on the map that's shaded, is the affected area for the project:
(https://www.star-telegram.com/latest-news/p0498t/picture217229550/alternates/FREE_1140/IH%20820%20SOUTHEAST%20CORRIDOR%20S)

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/community/fort-worth/article217072240.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 16, 2018, 06:19:38 AM
In Fort Worth, work has seemingly dragged on to redo the bridge at I-20/Bryant Irvin Road.  Apparently a few months ago, the original project contractor defaulted before being able to complete their work.  A new contractor was found, now they are saying the project looks to be done by Thanksgiving.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/honkin-mad-blog/article218264655.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 16, 2018, 06:41:55 AM
In this article about Cresson, along US 377 SW of Fort Worth, a side note is brought up in the article about US 377 getting a relief route (TxDOT-speak for a bypass) to the west of Cresson.  It will span 3 miles in all; the center of town (if you want to call it that) has a railroad crossing at US 377's intersection with TX 171, and between the narrow in-town ROW and the RR/TX 171 crossing, TxDOT feels a bypass is needed.  Work is supposed to begin next year with completion set for 2022.

https://www.fwweekly.com/2018/09/12/smokin-2/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on September 16, 2018, 07:18:33 PM
There are two interesting points about the Cresson bypass.  Because of the railroad parallel to SH 171, there will be no direct access at the bypass, and traffic in both directions will be guided to the south side of town for access.  I assume that is to avoid the railroad crossing.  The north exit will be labelled only as BU 377, but drivers familiar with the area could use that exit for a more direct route and accept the possibility that there may be a train.

Also, on the north end of the business route, the northbound side will narrow to one lane to merge with the main route, and the southbound side will have two lanes originating at a private drive serving a home.  There will be no other way to get to that section of those lanes (other than a U-turn).  The southbound lanes of the business route north of the new access road to the bypass will be accessible only from 2 private drives, so it's almost a half-private highway.  I'm certain I'll drive to the north end and U-turn so I can be one of few drivers to use those lanes.  I wouldn't be surprised if they reduced that section to one lane when a rebuild is needed, since it will certainly have very low traffic numbers.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on September 16, 2018, 09:18:14 PM
Regarding the southeast connector project, it would be cool to see 287 have its own elevated lanes that connect it together without having to use I-20 and I-820.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 16, 2018, 09:25:44 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 16, 2018, 09:18:14 PM
Regarding the southeast connector project, it would be cool to see 287 have its own elevated lanes that connect it together without having to use I-20 and I-820.

The way projects have been going in DFW of late, I wouldn't be surprised if this or something similar, would be the case when this is done.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on September 20, 2018, 04:28:02 PM
Quote from: txstateends on September 16, 2018, 09:25:44 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 16, 2018, 09:18:14 PM
Regarding the southeast connector project, it would be cool to see 287 have its own elevated lanes that connect it together without having to use I-20 and I-820.

The way projects have been going in DFW of late, I wouldn't be surprised if this or something similar, would be the case when this is done.

If it's not US-287 own elevated lanes. I guess it could be a C-D setup like the short TX-114/121 multiplex. 

Too bad they didn't acquired ROW back it was available, they could had built a span to cross Lake Arlington to link the freeways gaps of US-287.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 21, 2018, 01:13:29 AM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on September 20, 2018, 04:28:02 PM
Quote from: txstateends on September 16, 2018, 09:25:44 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 16, 2018, 09:18:14 PM
Regarding the southeast connector project, it would be cool to see 287 have its own elevated lanes that connect it together without having to use I-20 and I-820.

The way projects have been going in DFW of late, I wouldn't be surprised if this or something similar, would be the case when this is done.

If it's not US-287 own elevated lanes. I guess it could be a C-D setup like the short TX-114/121 multiplex. 

Too bad they didn't acquired ROW back it was available, they could had built a span to cross Lake Arlington to link the freeways gaps of US-287.

I've thought about that over the years, when I'd see a DFW area map or a Fort Worth map, but I figured there was probably too much to overcome if it were to be attempted, either NIMBYs on the west side of Arlington, or environmental concerns, or something else.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on September 21, 2018, 03:48:32 AM
Notorious traffic circle has local drivers fearing for their lives – but not for long

The headline of the linked article is a bit misleading.  It looks like the traffic circle on Fort Worth's west side, sometimes called the 'Benbrook Traffic Circle', where US 377 and TX 183 intersect, is possibly getting a major makeover.  But no, someone complained about merging/yielding problems (there are some traffic issues there apparently), so the city and TxDOT looked into it, and they decided, in their infinite wisdom, to add flashing lights at several points around the circle.

If they're not going to do anything big, at least add some better route signage (it's not always clear at the approaches and the turnoffs, as to what's coming up), and definitely some better streetlighting for night drivers.  It wouldn't hurt to add some plant life too, like a ring of crepe myrtles or something.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/honkin-mad-blog/article218655235.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on September 21, 2018, 10:34:22 AM
Quote from: txstateends on September 21, 2018, 03:48:32 AM
Notorious traffic circle has local drivers fearing for their lives — but not for long

The headline of the linked article is a bit misleading.  It looks like the traffic circle on Fort Worth's west side, sometimes called the 'Benbrook Traffic Circle', where US 377 and TX 183 intersect, is possibly getting a major makeover.  But no, someone complained about merging/yielding problems (there are some traffic issues there apparently), so the city and TxDOT looked into it, and they decided, in their infinite wisdom, to add flashing lights at several points around the circle.

If they're not going to do anything big, at least add some better route signage (it's not always clear at the approaches and the turnoffs, as to what's coming up), and definitely some better streetlighting for night drivers.  It wouldn't hurt to add some plant life too, like a ring of crepe myrtles or something.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/honkin-mad-blog/article218655235.html

The way they have traffic within the circle yielding to traffic entering the circle sucks. Its is an ackward angle. Also, yes, signage is on a third-world country level of deficient.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on September 25, 2018, 04:33:18 AM
It is about time for Increased Roadway Capacity to happen on U.S. 377, and a grade separation for the rail line.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on October 17, 2018, 05:36:04 AM
2 different incidents involving separating pavement on I-35E in Carrollton in the last week.  One was between Crosby and Belt Line, the other south of the Whitlock-Sandy Lake exit.  Both are NB in the area that was redone in the last year or so between I-635 and Denton.

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Surface-of-I-35E-in-Carrollton-Separating-Several-Crashes-Reported-497753201.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on October 17, 2018, 10:25:18 PM
Quote from: txstateends on October 17, 2018, 05:36:04 AM
2 different incidents involving separating pavement on I-35E in Carrollton in the last week.  One was between Crosby and Belt Line, the other south of the Whitlock-Sandy Lake exit.  Both are NB in the area that was redone in the last year or so between I-635 and Denton.

https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/Surface-of-I-35E-in-Carrollton-Separating-Several-Crashes-Reported-497753201.html

Used both the express lanes and the regular NB lanes.  IMO, neither are up to what should be a minimum pavement standard for a road with that much traffic.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on October 18, 2018, 12:26:14 PM
Quote from: rte66man on October 17, 2018, 10:25:18 PMUsed both the express lanes and the regular NB lanes.  IMO, neither are up to what should be a minimum pavement standard for a road with that much traffic.

I was on I-35E northbound last Friday, returning home from a few days in Dallas, and felt I was taking my life in my hands--no left shoulder, heavy rain, and local drivers acting like cars are disposable (get in a wreck, walk away, go to Sewall or Walser and sign the papers on a replacement).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on November 01, 2018, 02:14:11 PM
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8368447,-96.9031355,3a,75y,297.68h,84.88t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1spEnimom35j3KE-BlMA91BQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Street view has been updated to July for the new 183 construction.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on November 08, 2018, 11:06:24 PM
For those driving around north TX over the coming weekend:::::

As a part of the interchange redo at I-30/TX 360 in Arlington, the SB TX 360 service road bridge will be demolished during the weekend.  During the demo, I-30 will be closed between Friday (Nov 9) at 7pm, and Monday (Nov 12) at 5am.  The official detour will be, turn from WB I-30 to TX 161-Bush Turnpike SB (the east end of the I-30 closure) to TX 180, then right (west).  On TX 180 at FM 157 NB, turn right.  At I-30/FM 157 (the west end of the I-30 closure), turn left to get back on I-30.  EB I-30 traffic must go the other way to get back to I-30 and past the closure and demolition.

http://www.arlington-tx.gov/news/2018/11/05/traffic-alert-interstate-30-closure-arlington-weekend/

Sounds like a mess.  Glad I'm not having to maneuver through all that diverted traffic.  Fortunately, those passing by Jerry's monstrosity (IOW, AT&T Stadium) during the detour won't have to deal with game traffic--the Cowboys are playing the Eagles in Philadelphia this weekend.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on December 11, 2018, 01:28:33 AM
Is 183 done? looks like it from the July pics.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8369763,-96.980474,3a,75y,86.08h,98.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfYif6DSpcRU5VK3k_NiX5g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on December 11, 2018, 01:39:46 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8273834,-96.8860754,3a,75y,90.76h,86.43t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sRm22dycek8pQi4I8eaTSuw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Interesting how they are re purposing the original bridge over the Trinity river for Hov/toll lanes.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8322803,-96.892235,3a,28y,287.36h,85.79t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swHvaU4GUB11-X1fKiPFeTQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8335104,-96.8946501,3a,27.6y,146.52h,87.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxCg641Y6jkL-rlQdFg_JJw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on December 11, 2018, 07:33:14 AM
Yeah, the 183 construction is done now.

You can see the finished interchange from the perspective of Loop 12 from near the end of this video done of I-35W:

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on December 11, 2018, 07:47:15 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on December 11, 2018, 07:33:14 AM
Yeah, the 183 construction is done now.

You can see the finished interchange from the perspective of Loop 12 from near the end of this video done of I-35W:



Actually you were on (and this video is of) I-35E, but who's counting?  Great video, though.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on December 11, 2018, 07:54:02 PM
Quote from: longhorn on December 11, 2018, 01:28:33 AM
Is 183 done? looks like it from the July pics.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8369763,-96.980474,3a,75y,86.08h,98.41t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfYif6DSpcRU5VK3k_NiX5g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

It looks mostly done, based on the GSV pics, but there's been no local press about it, that I've seen.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on December 11, 2018, 11:38:18 PM
Quote from: longhorn on December 11, 2018, 01:39:46 AM
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8273834,-96.8860754,3a,75y,90.76h,86.43t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sRm22dycek8pQi4I8eaTSuw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

Interesting how they are re purposing the original bridge over the Trinity river for Hov/toll lanes.

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8322803,-96.892235,3a,28y,287.36h,85.79t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1swHvaU4GUB11-X1fKiPFeTQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8335104,-96.8946501,3a,27.6y,146.52h,87.46t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sxCg641Y6jkL-rlQdFg_JJw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

It seems very common for them to keep original bridges but when they add new bridges they are taller. Are they eventually going to upgrade the original (in this case Toll) bridges also?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on December 12, 2018, 09:51:17 AM
Quote from: txstateends on December 11, 2018, 07:47:15 PM
Actually you were on (and this video is of) I-35E, but who's counting?  Great video, though.

You're right of course.  I just meant that because I finished on Loop 12 which was widened as part of the 183 construction it was sorta relevant.  Sorta at best though.

I drove 183 in both directions the week in November when I filmed the above video.  The construction had been fully completed in both directions.  It looked great to me when I visited.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on January 26, 2019, 05:16:59 AM
A proposal will be presented Monday afternoon to the mobility committee of the Dallas City Council, regarding plans to redo I-30 from downtown east to past the Fair Park area.  The 45-page .pdf includes initial drawings and plans.  In this plan, I-30 would be below grade all the way east to the Dolphin Road exit.  Multiple deck parks are envisioned, downtown specifically, although previous talk about deck parks on I-30 included a desire to have one in the First/Second Avenue exit area between Deep Ellum and Fair Park.  This proposal backs service roads that are landscaped in a "complete streets" format rather than plain, multi-lane versions for faster traffic flow (like TxDOT wants).  Part of this proposal sneaks in the desire to have whatever will be done with I-345, done concurrently with the I-30 work.  Nothing is said about what kind of $$$$$$ would be needed to do both (and whether TxDOT would agree to doing both at the same time), nor the traffic mess that doing both together would create.  No potential timeline for any of this is mentioned, either.

https://dallascityhall.com/government/Council%20Meeting%20Documents/msis_3_i-30-east-project-update_combined_012819.pdf
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on January 26, 2019, 09:15:31 AM
The item that concerns me is Guiding Principle #3 "New I-30 should not be any higher or any wider than the current I-30". This would preclude right-of-way acquisition, and probably limit lane additions and/or increase cost. This same policy was applied to the LBJ North toll lanes, and it probably added around $1 billion to the project cost for the double-deck facility with one level below grade.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on January 27, 2019, 06:03:33 PM
I uploaded a video this weekend of I-35W through Forth Worth.  This video was filmed in November, so the express lanes along the corridor are mostly, but not entirely, completed:

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on January 28, 2019, 09:18:57 AM
Quote from: txstateends on January 26, 2019, 05:16:59 AM
A proposal will be presented Monday afternoon to the mobility committee of the Dallas City Council, regarding plans to redo I-30 from downtown east to past the Fair Park area.  The 45-page .pdf includes initial drawings and plans.  In this plan, I-30 would be below grade all the way east to the Dolphin Road exit.  Multiple deck parks are envisioned, downtown specifically, although previous talk about deck parks on I-30 included a desire to have one in the First/Second Avenue exit area between Deep Ellum and Fair Park.  This proposal backs service roads that are landscaped in a "complete streets" format rather than plain, multi-lane versions for faster traffic flow (like TxDOT wants).  Part of this proposal sneaks in the desire to have whatever will be done with I-345, done concurrently with the I-30 work.  Nothing is said about what kind of $$$$$$ would be needed to do both (and whether TxDOT would agree to doing both at the same time), nor the traffic mess that doing both together would create.  No potential timeline for any of this is mentioned, either.

https://dallascityhall.com/government/Council%20Meeting%20Documents/msis_3_i-30-east-project-update_combined_012819.pdf

Quote from: MaxConcrete on January 26, 2019, 09:15:31 AM
The item that concerns me is Guiding Principle #3 "New I-30 should not be any higher or any wider than the current I-30". This would preclude right-of-way acquisition, and probably limit lane additions and/or increase cost. This same policy was applied to the LBJ North toll lanes, and it probably added around $1 billion to the project cost for the double-deck facility with one level below grade.

They have Trenched S.H. 366 for the silly Klyde Warren Park.

So if they are going to Trench The Interstate 30, and provide it with the expensive Deck Parks also,

they can do the same thing for The Unfinished Corridor!

The Unfinished Corridor Bridge is mostly a necessary interchange with The Interstate 30, a grade separation for several rail lines, and a few roads in between them.

Deck Park(s) would make sense in this area. Those local roads are much too close together. It would be very easy to put several Deck Parks in between these roads.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on January 28, 2019, 02:08:04 PM
Quote from: AsphaltPlanet on January 27, 2019, 06:03:33 PM
I uploaded a video this weekend of I-35W through Forth Worth.  This video was filmed in November, so the express lanes along the corridor are mostly, but not entirely, completed:



Is the I-30 to I-35W North tollway connection open now? At 2:42.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on January 28, 2019, 04:04:18 PM
Google Earth imagery is dated 11/25/2018 for much of Fort Worth. Exit 15C on Westbound I-30 will connect with the new toll lanes on I-35W Northbound. It kind of twins up with US-287 to get there however. The direct connect flyover ramp from I-30 Eastbound to the I-35W Northbound toll lanes was still under construction in that Google Earth imagery. I would be surprised if it is open by now.

I'm a bit disappointed the "free" lanes on I-35W don't have more lanes. I think a 2-2T-2T-2 configuration is a little dopey. It's not doing much to add capacity. It's like they copied the I-820 concept over to I-35W. TX-183 farther East is a little more odd for its single lane toll lanes. It would really suck to pay extra to drive on one of those "Lexus lanes" only to get stuck behind a slow poke and not be able to pass.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on January 28, 2019, 09:38:27 PM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 28, 2019, 09:18:57 AM

They have Trenched S.H. 366 for the silly Klyde Warren Park.

Actually, Spur 366 (Woodall Rodgers Frwy.) was already built like it was when it finally opened in the early 1980s.  It wasn't trenched for the deck park, the deck park was a more recent idea.

And apparently, there are many hundreds to thousands of visitors each year that would not consider the park "silly".  Now, the amount of $$$$$ that people donated for it might approach a silly level, but overall, it has been a huge success.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on January 29, 2019, 02:45:37 AM
Quote from: txstateends on January 26, 2019, 05:16:59 AM
A proposal will be presented Monday afternoon to the mobility committee of the Dallas City Council, regarding plans to redo I-30 from downtown east to past the Fair Park area.  The 45-page .pdf includes initial drawings and plans.  In this plan, I-30 would be below grade all the way east to the Dolphin Road exit.  Multiple deck parks are envisioned, downtown specifically, although previous talk about deck parks on I-30 included a desire to have one in the First/Second Avenue exit area between Deep Ellum and Fair Park.  This proposal backs service roads that are landscaped in a "complete streets" format rather than plain, multi-lane versions for faster traffic flow (like TxDOT wants).  Part of this proposal sneaks in the desire to have whatever will be done with I-345, done concurrently with the I-30 work.  Nothing is said about what kind of $$$$$$ would be needed to do both (and whether TxDOT would agree to doing both at the same time), nor the traffic mess that doing both together would create.  No potential timeline for any of this is mentioned, either.

https://dallascityhall.com/government/Council%20Meeting%20Documents/msis_3_i-30-east-project-update_combined_012819.pdf

Quote from: MaxConcrete on January 26, 2019, 09:15:31 AM
The item that concerns me is Guiding Principle #3 "New I-30 should not be any higher or any wider than the current I-30". This would preclude right-of-way acquisition, and probably limit lane additions and/or increase cost. This same policy was applied to the LBJ North toll lanes, and it probably added around $1 billion to the project cost for the double-deck facility with one level below grade.

The City of Dallas makes their view of the I-30 proposal officially known.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/dallas-city-hall/2019/01/28/dallas-city-hall-beats-back-txdots-early-plans-30s-13-billion-makeover
https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2019/01/city-finds-its-voice-pushes-back-on-txdots-awful-i-30-redesign/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on January 29, 2019, 01:28:53 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on January 26, 2019, 09:15:31 AM
The item that concerns me is Guiding Principle #3 "New I-30 should not be any higher or any wider than the current I-30". This would preclude right-of-way acquisition, and probably limit lane additions and/or increase cost. This same policy was applied to the LBJ North toll lanes, and it probably added around $1 billion to the project cost for the double-deck facility with one level below grade.
I get your point about the costs but it is time we rethink our freeways and how they're designed. We should have more compact facilities that can still contain many lanes for cars while having a smaller footprint, width wise that is. The end result of the LBJ construction is, IMO, one of the nicest stretches of urban freeway in the world.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: txstateends on January 30, 2019, 05:20:25 AM
The Dallas Morning News editorializes the recent I-30 counter-proposal by the City.

https://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/editorials/2019/01/29/interstate-30-divided-dallas-reconstruction-must-knit-us-back-together
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on January 30, 2019, 11:36:24 AM
At least it sounds like they're not talking about complete freeway removal. I'm all for decking over a newly re-built I-345 and I-30 if it's possible and doesn't take away the opportunity to add more lanes.

Quote from: Plutonic PandaI get your point about the costs but it is time we rethink our freeways and how they're designed. We should have more compact facilities that can still contain many lanes for cars while having a smaller footprint, width wise that is. The end result of the LBJ construction is, IMO, one of the nicest stretches of urban freeway in the world.

Vehicle lanes need to stay at least 12' wide. I really hate freeway lanes to be any more narrow than that. When the lane widths get trimmed to 11' or 10' it's easy to feel like you're going to trade paint with other vehicles, especially if you're driving a pickup truck or SUV. Americans love larger vehicles. American car companies don't do so well selling passenger cars. And even foreign car companies are relying more on truck and SUV sales. Skinny lanes don't fit with that. Freeways need inner and outer shoulders too.

That geometry adds up to making roads wider. If there is no room for the ROW to go wider then the freeway will have to be split in multiple levels. The easiest thing to do is stack one road deck on top of another. It's more difficult and much more expensive to tunnel downward. In the case of I-30 I don't know if they can do that. The tolled express lanes on LBJ Freeway were able to go above and below the I-635 main lanes. The underground segments aren't near any rivers. I-30 in downtown Dallas is not far from the Trinity River and it crosses White Rock Creek a little East of downtown. The may complicate the need of adding lanes/capacity while not "going any higher" than existing I-30.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: AsphaltPlanet on January 30, 2019, 11:38:35 AM
I wonder if this design is a reflection of the fact that what the City of Dallas is proposing isn't reasonable in the eyes of TxDOT engineers.

I agree in principal that freeways in urban corridors should be kept within as minimal a footprint as possible, but Interstate 30 is an important road, more important in an inter-regional perspective than either I-635 or US-75.

It might not be feasible to maintain the exact footprint and elevation as the existing highway in all locations, so TxDOT may have deliberately proposed something that is outlandish to the city in order to make a compromise at something that is more sensible to all parties in the future.

Just my two cents.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 11:07:42 AM
Both Interstate 30 and The Unfinished Corridor are going to need additional (and wide) lanes both "Free" and Tolled. I agree with wide lanes. I do not want to drive on narrow lanes with a Motor Home.

And for the activists bickering that their "neighborhoods are divided", they are acting as if there are no grade separations, or that the roads are rail lines with no grade separations. If the Interstates were at grade rail lines, they would be dividing towns. Places such as Pauls Valley, Marietta, Valley View, Sanger, Chico, Van Horn, and Sierra Blanca have either no grade separations at all, or they are hours away from the nearest one.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: mgk920 on January 31, 2019, 11:16:03 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 11:07:42 AM
Both Interstate 30 and The Unfinished Corridor are going to need additional (and wide) lanes both "Free" and Tolled. I agree with wide lanes. I do not want to drive on narrow lanes with a Motor Home.

And for the activists bickering that their "neighborhoods are divided", they are acting as if there are no grade separations, or that the roads are rail lines with no grade separations. If the Interstates were at grade rail lines, they would be dividing towns. Places such as Pauls Valley, Marietta, Valley View, Sanger, Chico, Van Horn, and Sierra Blanca have either no grade separations at all, or they are hours away from the nearest one.

Just for a point of reference information for someone who is not a local to the DFW Metroplex, what is the 'Unfinished Corridor'?

Mike
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 01:07:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 31, 2019, 11:16:03 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 11:07:42 AM
Both Interstate 30 and The Unfinished Corridor are going to need additional (and wide) lanes both "Free" and Tolled. I agree with wide lanes. I do not want to drive on narrow lanes with a Motor Home.

And for the activists bickering that their "neighborhoods are divided", they are acting as if there are no grade separations, or that the roads are rail lines with no grade separations. If the Interstates were at grade rail lines, they would be dividing towns. Places such as Pauls Valley, Marietta, Valley View, Sanger, Chico, Van Horn, and Sierra Blanca have either no grade separations at all, or they are hours away from the nearest one.

Just for a point of reference information for someone who is not a local to the DFW Metroplex, what is the 'Unfinished Corridor'?

Mike

Interstate 45, Interstate 345, U.S. 75, U.S. 69 / 75, U.S. 69 would be terminus at Interstate 44 near Tulsa, and its numerous issues stalling or even preventing road upgrades.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on January 31, 2019, 01:21:53 PM
I agree with the narrower lanes. I am not advocating for that.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: sparker on January 31, 2019, 08:26:34 PM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 01:07:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 31, 2019, 11:16:03 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 11:07:42 AM
Both Interstate 30 and The Unfinished Corridor are going to need additional (and wide) lanes both "Free" and Tolled. I agree with wide lanes. I do not want to drive on narrow lanes with a Motor Home.

And for the activists bickering that their "neighborhoods are divided", they are acting as if there are no grade separations, or that the roads are rail lines with no grade separations. If the Interstates were at grade rail lines, they would be dividing towns. Places such as Pauls Valley, Marietta, Valley View, Sanger, Chico, Van Horn, and Sierra Blanca have either no grade separations at all, or they are hours away from the nearest one.

Just for a point of reference information for someone who is not a local to the DFW Metroplex, what is the 'Unfinished Corridor'?

Mike

Interstate 45, Interstate 345, U.S. 75, U.S. 69 / 75, U.S. 69 would be terminus at Interstate 44 near Tulsa, and its numerous issues stalling or even preventing road upgrades.

Just head over to Central States; at least two threads there have dealt with that corridor in quite some detail!
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: mgk920 on February 01, 2019, 10:25:22 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 01:07:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 31, 2019, 11:16:03 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 11:07:42 AM
Both Interstate 30 and The Unfinished Corridor are going to need additional (and wide) lanes both "Free" and Tolled. I agree with wide lanes. I do not want to drive on narrow lanes with a Motor Home.

And for the activists bickering that their "neighborhoods are divided", they are acting as if there are no grade separations, or that the roads are rail lines with no grade separations. If the Interstates were at grade rail lines, they would be dividing towns. Places such as Pauls Valley, Marietta, Valley View, Sanger, Chico, Van Horn, and Sierra Blanca have either no grade separations at all, or they are hours away from the nearest one.

Just for a point of reference information for someone who is not a local to the DFW Metroplex, what is the 'Unfinished Corridor'?

Mike

Interstate 45, Interstate 345, U.S. 75, U.S. 69 / 75, U.S. 69 would be terminus at Interstate 44 near Tulsa, and its numerous issues stalling or even preventing road upgrades.

Ahh, the US 69/75 corridor from Dallas to Vinita, OK.

Thanx!

Mike
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on February 01, 2019, 02:53:08 PM
Quote from: sparker on January 31, 2019, 08:26:34 PM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 01:07:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 31, 2019, 11:16:03 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 31, 2019, 11:07:42 AM
Both Interstate 30 and The Unfinished Corridor are going to need additional (and wide) lanes both "Free" and Tolled. I agree with wide lanes. I do not want to drive on narrow lanes with a Motor Home.

And for the activists bickering that their "neighborhoods are divided", they are acting as if there are no grade separations, or that the roads are rail lines with no grade separations. If the Interstates were at grade rail lines, they would be dividing towns. Places such as Pauls Valley, Marietta, Valley View, Sanger, Chico, Van Horn, and Sierra Blanca have either no grade separations at all, or they are hours away from the nearest one.

Just for a point of reference information for someone who is not a local to the DFW Metroplex, what is the 'Unfinished Corridor'?

Mike

Interstate 45, Interstate 345, U.S. 75, U.S. 69 / 75, U.S. 69 would be terminus at Interstate 44 near Tulsa, and its numerous issues stalling or even preventing road upgrades.

Just head over to Central States; at least two threads there have dealt with that corridor in quite some detail!

Take "quite some detail" and multiply by 1000.  :-D
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on February 01, 2019, 04:31:45 PM
The main lanes of SH 199 in Tarrant County were inaugurated today: https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/46-Million-Project-to-Expand-Highway-199-Complete-Part-of-Texas-Clear-Lanes-Initiative--505205281.html

This created a freeway from Lake Worth to the county line. The project can be seen on Google Maps with imagery from Nov. 26
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on February 01, 2019, 10:30:53 PM
The new segment on TX-199 is decent progress. It's now a freeway from FM-1886 to FM-730 in Azle.

But! From FM-1886 back toward Fort Worth there are still 3 at-grade intersections along TX-199 before it crosses the Lake Worth bridge. Those need to be handled next. Then there's the matter of re-building that bridge; the current one is not up to Interstate standards at all. On the bright side there's lots of future freeway ROW already reserved. New freeway can be built down to Paul Meador Rd/NW Center Drive with no problem at all. The tough nut to crack is connecting a TX-199 freeway into I-820. I hope TX DOT can get it done though.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on February 07, 2019, 12:00:03 PM
TxDOT has actually announced a public meeting for the SH 199 / I-820 interchange: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/fort-worth/021919.html

The study team is evaluating a number of alternatives:

    General purpose lanes along SH 199
    Direct connectors between SH 199 and I-820
    Reconfigured access ramps along I-820
    Improved sidewalks and bicycle/shared use lanes
    Diverging Diamond along SH 199 at I-820
    "No-Build" alternative
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on February 07, 2019, 05:29:52 PM
It wouldn't be pretty, but there is at least a couple possibilities TxDOT could use to connect TX-199 freeway main lanes directly to I-820. Any design with direct connectors will involve building some long fly-over ramps. The big challenge is how to dodge the businesses built in the future freeway ROW between New Center Drive and Boat Club Road. Braum's, Kwik Kar Lube & Tune, O'Reilly Auto Parts and the Car Wash, Lube & Detail place next door all stand in the way of future TX-199 main lanes. That is unless fly-over bridges are spanning over parts of the properties or even over the tops of buildings. Taco Bell and Sonic are far enough out of the way that those properties could be spared.

I have mixed feelings about Diverging Diamond Interchanges. They're not good if the surface street crossing the freeway is carrying lots of stop and go traffic. A SPUI is a much better (although potentially more costly) solution.

It would suck to have one freeway stop being a freeway at a Diverging Diamond Interchange. It would really be stupid if TxDOT cleared some (or a bunch) of existing businesses to build new TX-199 freeway main lanes right up to the doorstep of I-820 only for the interchange to be a DDI.

I could see the existing cloverleaf interchange between Jacksboro Highway and I-820 being replaced by a DDI. The surface street is bracketed by signaled street intersections. Part of a new direct connect "T" freeway interchange with long ramps could be built over the top of that DDI.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on February 10, 2019, 11:24:52 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 07, 2019, 05:29:52 PM
The big challenge is how to dodge the businesses built in the future freeway ROW between New Center Drive and Boat Club Road.

For the section you mention, a preliminary design I saw some time ago showed the main lanes going across the vacant land south of all those businesses. Only a few businesses would be displaced, the Braums Ice Cream and maybe one or two others at the western end of the commercial strip.

The freeway connections were on the west side of 820 only (four connection ramps), since the 199 freeway will not extend inside Loop 820.

Of course this would place the freeway interchange south of the existing interchange at I-820. I can't remember how the schematic that I saw handled the existing interchange at 820.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on February 11, 2019, 08:00:34 AM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on February 10, 2019, 11:24:52 PM

For the section you mention, a preliminary design I saw some time ago showed the main lanes going across the vacant land south of all those businesses. Only a few businesses would be displaced, the Braums Ice Cream and maybe one or two others at the western end of the commercial strip.

The freeway connections were on the west side of 820 only (four connection ramps), since the 820 freeway will not extend inside Loop 820.


You mean the 199 freeway? ;)  Althought there was once plans to extend it inside I-820 who was cancelled.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on February 11, 2019, 12:09:29 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on February 11, 2019, 08:00:34 AM
You mean the 199 freeway? ;)  Althought there was once plans to extend it inside I-820 who was cancelled.
You are correct. My post is fixed.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: davmillar on February 11, 2019, 12:31:47 PM
I hope that this project has a positive impact on the traffic at 820 and Azle as well. Going Southbound on 820 in rush hour traffic, the backup at Azle is ridiculous and affects all three lanes. Maybe if it's largely people avoiding that stretch of 199, things will improve after the build. Moving back the ramp to the service road would be a welcome change, too, considering how many people seem to get off the highway early anyway...
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on February 27, 2019, 01:44:09 PM
The US 75 widening in the Melissa / Anna area is 'essentially finished'.

http://www.kten.com/story/40032517/highway-project-reaches-milestone-in-anna
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on April 01, 2019, 09:52:21 AM
Quote from: Chris on February 27, 2019, 01:44:09 PM
The US 75 widening in the Melissa / Anna area is 'essentially finished'.

http://www.kten.com/story/40032517/highway-project-reaches-milestone-in-anna

Drove through there last week and all six lanes are open to north of Anna, but the FM 455 interchange work is lagging well behind. It's still a mess there. Soon the bottleneck will shift north as TxDOT completes the job to the Grayson County line.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: davmillar on April 02, 2019, 11:09:53 AM
Drove the new stretch of SH-199 on Friday night. Not too shabby. Definitely needs to be a freeway back up to the 820 loop. Not so much the amount of traffic as much as the amount of brain cells behind the wheels. But that problem's everywhere.

Anyway... Followed it out to US 281, took that south, watched the sunset from the picnic area out there, then south to Mineral Wells and back to FW via US 180 and I-20/I-30. Was nice to beat the overcast for a bit.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on May 31, 2019, 04:05:44 AM
I was looking up the traffic volume data for I-635. The 'LBJ Express' project was built to accommodate some 500,000 trips per day 'in the corridor'.

However the traffic volumes have only gone up slightly since the project was completed in 2015 and are still below pre-construction levels.

(https://i.imgur.com/HBIWksn.png)

I am sceptical that these 400,000 - 500,000 vehicles per day projections will materialize. Everything is built out within a 20 - 30 mile radius, where would all this traffic come from?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on May 31, 2019, 02:21:13 PM
Everywhere.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on June 27, 2019, 11:37:03 AM
Quote from: Chris on May 31, 2019, 04:05:44 AM
However the traffic volumes have only gone up slightly since the project was completed in 2015 and are still below pre-construction levels.

Anecdotally I take LBJ Express a couple times a month (to get to the airport) even at peak periods and there is never anyone on it. It's a good place to test out your speedometer's maximum reading.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on June 27, 2019, 10:30:29 PM
Quote from: austrini on June 27, 2019, 11:37:03 AM
Quote from: Chris on May 31, 2019, 04:05:44 AM
However the traffic volumes have only gone up slightly since the project was completed in 2015 and are still below pre-construction levels.

Anecdotally I take LBJ Express a couple times a month (to get to the airport) even at peak periods and there is never anyone on it. It's a good place to test out your speedometer's maximum reading.

True that. Whe I've used it, I have to drive nearly 80 to keep from getting run over.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 28, 2019, 06:45:16 PM
Google Streetview did some updates along I-30 between Belt Line Road and TX-161.
View from 7th Street, March 2019.  https://goo.gl/maps/FosQWyem7sdEM63NA

Earth moving on I-30 Westbound from Belt Line Rd ramp, March 2019. https://goo.gl/maps/wyJtx6RKT1utMWas7

Carrier parkway, southbound, March 2019. https://goo.gl/maps/3rdYuwgiPkzBVTWMA
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on August 19, 2019, 11:36:15 AM
Does anyone know the completion date for the I-35E rebuild by the Dallas Zoo? Coming off the completed horse shoe heading south to that construction zone is a surprise.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwmapper on August 20, 2019, 02:01:23 AM
Late 2021.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on August 20, 2019, 01:13:57 PM
Are they ever going to demo the no longer used toll gates on the George Bush Tollway?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on October 20, 2019, 01:09:41 PM
Haven't heard anything about changes along the Bush Turnpike except for adding lanes in each direction; not sure if they're done with that or not.  The toll gate structures look like there might be other uses going on, at least on 1 side at each one.  There's always NTTA officials and TxDPS officers at most of them, plus now the one between Belt Line and TX 114 also has an added feature: a Tolltag store.  Previously, drivers couldn't get Tolltags anywhere but off-highway storefronts or the NTTA headquarters.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on October 20, 2019, 01:23:42 PM
A public meeting has been scheduled for October 29 in downtown Dallas regarding the future work on I-30 from I-35E to I-345/I-45.  It's being held at the Omni Hotel, with an open house and formal presentation.  This proposal includes 6 main lanes in each direction and discontinuous service roads.

http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/public-hearings/2019/ih-30-from-ih-35e-interchange-to-ih-45ih-345-interchange-public-meeting
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on October 20, 2019, 10:46:04 PM
^^^ RE: bush tollway, thank you for the info.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on October 30, 2019, 02:09:36 AM
TxDOT plans underway for I-30 'Canyon'

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2019/10/30/txdot-plans-underway-for-i-30-canyon/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on October 30, 2019, 06:45:04 AM
There is a public meeting scheduled for the US 81 / 287 upgrade near Fort Worth, an 8 mile stretch from I-35W to Avondale-Haslett Road. This portion of US 81/287 still has some at-grade access points and missing frontage roads.

TxDOT is holding a public meeting to discuss the proposed improvements to US 81/ US 287 from south of Avondale-Haslet Road to I-35W.

The proposed project would add one inside mainlane in each direction and convert two-way to one-way frontage roads. The existing interchanges would be reconstructed.  Willow Springs Road is proposed to cross under US 81/ US 287 mainlanes, an interchange is proposed at Heritage Trace Parkway, and Wagley Robertson Road would be connected to the proposed frontage roads.  A number of entrance and exit ramp locations would be adjusted to facilitate more efficient access to adjacent land uses.


TxDOT: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/fort-worth/111419.html

(https://i.imgur.com/4JAe6Es.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/eJqaAHI.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on October 30, 2019, 11:55:16 AM
The stretch of US-287 from the I-35W split up to Avondale-Haslett Road is very long overdue. Given the rapid growth of new residential development in the area it is not surprising at all for the freeway conversion to include adding an additional lane each way to a 3-3 configuration. Hopefully they'll design the upgrade with room to upgrade it further to a 4-4 configuration in the future.

North of Avondale-Haslett Road there are still numerous driveways connecting directly with the US-287 main lanes, due to the frontage roads not being complete on the Northbound lanes. Plus new freeway exits are needed for Ramhorn Hill Road (CR-4843), Robertson Road (CR-4840) and Schluter Road (CR-4838). That would make US-287 a proper freeway from I-35W up to the TX-114 turn off at Rhome. US-287 really needs to be full Interstate quality from I-35W up to US-380 in Decatur.

Regarding I-30 in the Downtown Dallas "canyon," I'm all for deck parks and what not to connect neighborhoods. They say they're looking at 6 lanes in each direction for I-30. Hopefully that will be enough capacity for the foreseeable future. Once you put the highway down in a trench, cap over it with parks and perhaps even real estate development it will leave no room for further upgrades. They had better build it right from the outset.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on October 31, 2019, 02:36:32 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on October 30, 2019, 11:55:16 AM
The stretch of US-287 from the I-35W split up to Avondale-Haslett Road is very long overdue. Given the rapid growth of new residential development in the area it is not surprising at all for the freeway conversion to include adding an additional lane each way to a 3-3 configuration. Hopefully they'll design the upgrade with room to upgrade it further to a 4-4 configuration in the future.

North of Avondale-Haslett Road there are still numerous driveways connecting directly with the US-287 main lanes, due to the frontage roads not being complete on the Northbound lanes. Plus new freeway exits are needed for Ramhorn Hill Road (CR-4843), Robertson Road (CR-4840) and Schluter Road (CR-4838). That would make US-287 a proper freeway from I-35W up to the TX-144 turn off at Rhome. US-287 really needs to be full Interstate quality from I-35W up to US-380 in Decatur.

Regarding I-30 in the Downtown Dallas "canyon," I'm all for deck parks and what not to connect neighborhoods. They say they're looking at 6 lanes in each direction for I-30. Hopefully that will be enough capacity for the foreseeable future. Once you put the highway down in a trench, cap over it with parks and perhaps even real estate development it will leave no room for further upgrades. They had better build it right from the outset.
I am ready for them to get rid of all the at grade crossings on U.S. 287 between I45 and I20. They are already working on it last several years they have installed interchanges in Ennis removing the crossings east of TX SH34 and twinning the existing over pass at SH 34 and twinning it to I45 from the existing 2-2 configuration at US287 Bus west of the interchange.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on October 31, 2019, 05:24:46 PM
South of Fort Worth between I-20 and I-45, I think the next upgrade project along US-287 (not already underway) will be just West of the TX-360 interchange. Frontage roads are supposed to be completed from TX-360 to just past Heritage Parkway. I don't remember if the extended frontage roads will do a U-turn when meeting the railroad track West of Heritage Parkdway or if new frontage road bridges will span over the railroad. TX DOT has already had various public meetings about it.

Construction is in progress on a new US-287 exit to remove the at-grade intersection with Walnut Grove Road. That's just East of Midlothian. The project looks like it's about 1.25 miles long. I think it is supposed to include continuous one-way frontage roads. Once completed there will still be a small non-freeway gap between that segment and the US-287 bypass around Midlothian. There's small scale industrial park and neighborhood with a mix of mobile homes and regular houses in there. It will be a bit of a puzzle how to build frontage roads through there, especially with a rail & river crossing on the West edge of it.

Even after those projects are done there will still be a lot of stuff to upgrade on US-287 between I-20 and I-45. As long as TX DOT keeps chipping away at it they might eventually reach the finish line.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on November 02, 2019, 08:32:11 PM
Did TXDOT reconfigure the service roads on I-20 just east of the interchange with TX-161/President George Bush Tpk? From what I saw on these aerial photos, they're already beginned the works. https://www.mytopo.com/maps/?lat=32.6740&lon=-97.00292&z=15
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on November 03, 2019, 12:40:17 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on October 31, 2019, 05:24:46 PM
South of Fort Worth between I-20 and I-45, I think the next upgrade project along US-287 (not already underway) will be just West of the TX-360 interchange. Frontage roads are supposed to be completed from TX-360 to just past Heritage Parkway. I don't remember if the extended frontage roads will do a U-turn when meeting the railroad track West of Heritage Parkdway or if new frontage road bridges will span over the railroad. TX DOT has already had various public meetings about it.

Construction is in progress on a new US-287 exit to remove the at-grade intersection with Walnut Grove Road. That's just East of Midlothian. The project looks like it's about 1.25 miles long. I think it is supposed to include continuous one-way frontage roads. Once completed there will still be a small non-freeway gap between that segment and the US-287 bypass around Midlothian. There's small scale industrial park and neighborhood with a mix of mobile homes and regular houses in there. It will be a bit of a puzzle how to build frontage roads through there, especially with a rail & river crossing on the West edge of it.

Even after those projects are done there will still be a lot of stuff to upgrade on US-287 between I-20 and I-45. As long as TX DOT keeps chipping away at it they might eventually reach the finish line.
I drive that stretch of 287 frequently and there is presently a traffic light at the Walnut Grove crossing that creates a major jam. It takes two or more cycles to get through. There's a new middle school on Walnut Grove and from about 3:30 on it's a nightmare.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 05, 2019, 05:14:25 PM
Once the US-287 upgrade project in Ennis is finished (freeway conversion leading into I-45) and the new freeway exit for the Walnut Grove Road intersection is complete all of the stop lights along US-287 between I-20 and I-45 will be gone.

That's still going to leave literally dozens of at-grade intersections, median U-turns along US-287 as well as lots and lots of driveways still emptying out directly onto the US-287 main lanes. Considering some of the traffic predictions in future years for US-287 between Mansfield and Ennis TX DOT really needs to get on the stick about building out those continuous frontage roads. If they keep messing around too many parts of US-287 not already converted into Interstate quality will be too bottled up by development to make upgrades practical in the future.

Once traffic on US-287 between I-20 and I-45 becomes fully non-stop (no signal lights) that characteristic and increasing traffic numbers will put pressure on improving the other at-grade intersections. Vehicles on US-287 are probably going to be driving faster since they won't be anticipating stop lights ahead. TX DOT will need to at least improve night time lighting and signs for safety. In the worst cases they may even have to install some traffic signals.

All the spot upgrades to eliminate at-grade intersections and driveways through that zone will be overshadowed by the $1.25 billion project to revamp the interchanges with US-287, I-20 and I-820. The last I heard is that major project could start construction by 2022.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 05, 2019, 07:04:48 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on November 05, 2019, 05:14:25 PM
All the spot upgrades to eliminate at-grade intersections and driveways through that zone will be overshadowed by the $1.25 billion project to revamp the interchanges with US-287, I-20 and I-820. The last I heard is that major project could start construction by 2022.

http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/commission/2019/1031/7-presentation.pdf (http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/commission/2019/1031/7-presentation.pdf)

Last week the TxDOT Commission began the process of receiving bids for the $1.6 billion southeast connector project. Work is slated to begin in 2021 and be completed in 2026. It seems like an unusually long construction period since it is mostly routine work.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 06, 2019, 12:39:54 AM
Glad to see the proposed start date moved up a year from 2022 to 2021. But (and typical) the cost continues to balloon. Nearly $1.6 billion versus the previous $1.25 Billion estimate.

I can't say I'm surprised by the 5 year construction time line. A pretty big chuck of I-820 (from I-20 up to nearly I-30) is going to be mostly re-built. I-20 is going to get a major widening through the project. The upgrade along US-287 is more modest, but it still runs a significant length. I would imagine there will be a lot of new ramps and ramp configuration changes. There's a couple odd left exit and left entrance ramps in the existing I-20/I-820 interchange.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on November 10, 2019, 12:58:02 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on November 06, 2019, 12:39:54 AM
Glad to see the proposed start date moved up a year from 2022 to 2021. But (and typical) the cost continues to balloon. Nearly $1.6 billion versus the previous $1.25 Billion estimate.

I can't say I'm surprised by the 5 year construction time line. A pretty big chuck of I-820 (from I-20 up to nearly I-30) is going to be mostly re-built. I-20 is going to get a major widening through the project. The upgrade along US-287 is more modest, but it still runs a significant length. I would imagine there will be a lot of new ramps and ramp configuration changes. There's a couple odd left exit and left entrance ramps in the existing I-20/I-820 interchange.

There is going to be a lot of changes a lot of ramp reconfiguration is going to happen between the I20/US287/I820 and US287/I820 funnel. Sun Valley Dr and Martin St. are going to lose ramps. Also they are going to remove the I20 westbound exit to US287 Business that exits to the left and add a flyover to the service road. They are going to twin east and west bound I20 heading towards arlington eliminating the pair of 5 lane bridges over village creek with what looks to be a single bridge or two wider pair of bridges. They are going to take all of the treeline in the middle of the interstate just west of village creek.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 10, 2019, 01:14:28 PM
Are there any schematics showing how the finished I-820/I-20/US-287 project will look?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 10, 2019, 10:38:55 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on November 10, 2019, 01:14:28 PM
Are there any schematics showing how the finished I-820/I-20/US-287 project will look?

http://oscarmail.net/071918-recommended-alternative.pdf (http://oscarmail.net/071918-recommended-alternative.pdf)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on November 23, 2019, 06:21:18 AM
Now TxDOT wants to hear from the public about the future of I-345. There are 3 public meetings scheduled, December 2, 3, and 5.

https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner/2019/11/txdot-wants-to-hear-from-the-public-about-removing-i-345/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 23, 2019, 03:41:00 PM
It's a solid bet plenty of anti-freeway "New Urbanists" will attend the meetings, along with real estate developers likely salivating over the possibilities of how much money they could make selling land made vacant by totally removing the freeway. The question is how many other people in attendance will raise concerns about traffic bottlenecks that will occur on other downtown freeways with the removal of I-345? The real estate developers are the ones with the most clout. They actually have the ability to make these public meetings a non-issue as they work to make deals behind closed doors.

Downtown Dallas is quite a bit different from other cities where portions of downtown freeways have been removed or will soon be removed. Dallas has a hell of a lot more people and traffic than Syracuse or Rochester. The Alaskan Way Viaduct is being removed in Seattle, with some of its function replaced with an underground tunnel. The AWV had only partial connections with the rest of the freeway system in Seattle.

The project to remove the Pierce Elevated freeway in Houston is, I think, the only valid comparison to removing I-345 in Dallas. But the difference with the Pierce Elevated project is the massive multi-billion dollar expansion project to shift I-45 around the East side of Houston onto I-69 and I-10. The recently completed Horseshoe Project in downtown Dallas was only done to improve capacity for the I-35E/I-30 interchange. It was not designed to also handle all traffic going to & from I-45. Then there's the improvements being done to the US-175 freeway as it merges into I-45 just South of downtown.

Although it would cost a fortune, I think the only good choice is building a new, depressed I-345 below grade and capped with deck parks and/or new surface boulevards along the way. Dallas is just too big a city with too huge a metro area to simply cut out that chunk of freeway and turn the route into stoplight hell.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 23, 2019, 05:03:19 PM
I already posted it on that article but that is a ridiculous headline. This isn't a meeting about removing the freeway but what to do with it. Removing it is only one of the alternatives. Just another anti-car publication trying to distort reality and keep their head in the sand. Hopefully the right decision is made and this freeway is trenched.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on November 25, 2019, 12:14:57 AM
Another Anti-Car Publication? Aren't there any Pro-Car Publications? Pro-Car Publications can gather an audience to attend the meetings. Also need to point out in those meetings the real estate developers drive cars. Real Estate Developers, New Urbanists would not ride the Public Transit they claim to want; They scoff at Public Transit.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Verlanka on November 25, 2019, 05:07:49 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on November 25, 2019, 12:14:57 AM
Aren't there any Pro-Car Publications?
There's the Road and Track magazine, but that's all I'm aware of.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on December 29, 2019, 08:24:56 AM
According to the NTTA, the President George Bush Turnpike widening between the Dallas North Tollway and I-35E was completed on December 24.

DNT to I-35E: Construction began in July 2017; the fourth lanes, in each direction, were completed on December 24, 2019

https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/projprog/Pages/PGBT-Widening.aspx
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on December 30, 2019, 10:33:31 AM
Quote from: Chris on December 29, 2019, 08:24:56 AM
According to the NTTA, the President George Bush Turnpike widening between the Dallas North Tollway and I-35E was completed on December 24.

DNT to I-35E: Construction began in July 2017; the fourth lanes, in each direction, were completed on December 24, 2019

https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/projprog/Pages/PGBT-Widening.aspx

I wonder how long 4 lanes each direction will last there.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwmapper on January 08, 2020, 01:46:37 AM
TxDOT is hosting an open house next Tuesday for a project to widen US 75 in Sherman from FM 1417 on the south side to where the current 6 lane section ends near Texoma Parkway/SH 91 south of the US 82 interchange, as well as reconfiguring the US 75/US 82 interchange, which presumably means fixing some of the obsolete ramp designs on US 82 and adding U turns for US 82 in both directions. This should fix one of the most poorly designed sections of freeway left in North Texas, with a dozen structurally obsolete bridges and an exit/entrance pair that has serious problems with backed up exiting traffic and slow merging traffic on the main lanes and a horrible weaving problem on the frontage road.

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/paris/011420.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on January 08, 2020, 05:42:05 PM
Quote from: dfwmapper on January 08, 2020, 01:46:37 AM
TxDOT is hosting an open house next Tuesday for a project to widen US 75 in Sherman from FM 1417 on the south side to where the current 6 lane section ends near Texoma Parkway/SH 91 south of the US 82 interchange, as well as reconfiguring the US 75/US 82 interchange, which presumably means fixing some of the obsolete ramp designs on US 82 and adding U turns for US 82 in both directions. This should fix one of the most poorly designed sections of freeway left in North Texas, with a dozen structurally obsolete bridges and an exit/entrance pair that has serious problems with backed up exiting traffic and slow merging traffic on the main lanes and a horrible weaving problem on the frontage road.

I wonder if they'll keep some ROW in the future at the junction of US-75/US-82 to put a future stack interchange when traffic level will warrant it?

Btw, there's some schematics of the freeway upgrade of US-81/287 and they show some alternatives studied with Harmon Road and N. Tarrant Parkway. http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/get-involved/ftw/us81-us287/111419-schematic.pdf

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/get-involved/about/hearings-meetings/paris/011420.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on January 09, 2020, 07:05:04 AM
What exactly is the point of quoting some body and typing NOTHING after it?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on January 09, 2020, 07:44:12 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 09, 2020, 07:05:04 AM
What exactly is the point of quoting some body and typing NOTHING after it?

I messed with the quote tags. It's fixed now.  :paranoid:  -_-;
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on January 09, 2020, 05:21:08 PM
Quote from: Stephane DumasBtw, there's some schematics of the freeway upgrade of US-81/287 and they show some alternatives studied with Harmon Road and N. Tarrant Parkway. http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/get-involved/ftw/us81-us287/111419-schematic.pdf

That will go a really good way toward completing a US-287 freeway upgrade from I-35W up to the TX-114 turn-off in Rhome. The upper half from Bus US-287/N Saginaw Blvd up to TX-114 should be a considerably easier process. The Northbound frontage road just needs to be extended a couple new exits built and it would be all done. TX DOT just needs to make sure no idiot developers are allowed to plop down a bunch of new stuff and driveways right up on the highway.

I like some of their plans to improve the connection between US-287 and North Tarrant Parkway. The current exit configuration SUCKS! My girlfriend and I went through that spot on the way to In-N-Out Burger. SB US-287 exiting to NB Harmon Road is very tricky, especially in the evening. You have to do a 270 degree turn through one tiny roundabout then cross the highway to another tiny roundabout. Then you have to use a back entrance through the shopping center since N Tarrant Pkwy doesn't currently connect direct with US-287.

I'm hoping they'll go with the Diamond Alternative design. The DDI alternative won't provide any access for SB US-287 traffic to N Tarrant Pkwy. It'll be the same going thru the back of the parking lot crap. The Box Alternative is okay, but it adds more traffic lights. The roundabout alternative does away with the stop lights.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on January 09, 2020, 08:57:44 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 09, 2020, 07:44:12 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 09, 2020, 07:05:04 AM
What exactly is the point of quoting some body and typing NOTHING after it?

I messed with the quote tags. It's fixed now.  :paranoid:  -_-;

Thanks. I have been seeing blank posts all the time every where. Never knew why it happened.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on January 10, 2020, 06:26:51 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on January 09, 2020, 05:21:08 PM
Quote from: Stephane DumasBtw, there's some schematics of the freeway upgrade of US-81/287 and they show some alternatives studied with Harmon Road and N. Tarrant Parkway. http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/get-involved/ftw/us81-us287/111419-schematic.pdf

That will go a really good way toward completing a US-287 freeway upgrade from I-35W up to the TX-114 turn-off in Rhome. The upper half from Bus US-287/N Saginaw Blvd up to TX-114 should be a considerably easier process. The Northbound frontage road just needs to be extended a couple new exits built and it would be all done. TX DOT just needs to make sure no idiot developers are allowed to plop down a bunch of new stuff and driveways right up on the highway.

I like some of their plans to improve the connection between US-287 and North Tarrant Parkway. The current exit configuration SUCKS! My girlfriend and I went through that spot on the way to In-N-Out Burger. SB US-287 exiting to NB Harmon Road is very tricky, especially in the evening. You have to do a 270 degree turn through one tiny roundabout then cross the highway to another tiny roundabout. Then you have to use a back entrance through the shopping center since N Tarrant Pkwy doesn't currently connect direct with US-287.

I'm hoping they'll go with the Diamond Alternative design. The DDI alternative won't provide any access for SB US-287 traffic to N Tarrant Pkwy. It'll be the same going thru the back of the parking lot crap. The Box Alternative is okay, but it adds more traffic lights. The roundabout alternative does away with the stop lights.

Yet the plans appear to show the elimination of the brand new roundabouts at Bonds Ranch Road. WTF??
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on January 10, 2020, 06:57:10 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 08, 2020, 05:42:05 PM
Quote from: dfwmapper on January 08, 2020, 01:46:37 AM
TxDOT is hosting an open house next Tuesday for a project to widen US 75 in Sherman from FM 1417 on the south side to where the current 6 lane section ends near Texoma Parkway/SH 91 south of the US 82 interchange, as well as reconfiguring the US 75/US 82 interchange, which presumably means fixing some of the obsolete ramp designs on US 82 and adding U turns for US 82 in both directions. This should fix one of the most poorly designed sections of freeway left in North Texas, with a dozen structurally obsolete bridges and an exit/entrance pair that has serious problems with backed up exiting traffic and slow merging traffic on the main lanes and a horrible weaving problem on the frontage road.

I wonder if they'll keep some ROW in the future at the junction of US-75/US-82 to put a future stack interchange when traffic level will warrant it?

To put in a stack at 75-82 would require some fancy engineering. There are shopping centers, a Wal-Mart and several gas stations at that location that encroach on the access roads. One way or the other, it'll be extremely expensive.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on January 10, 2020, 11:31:22 PM
Quote from: rte66manYet the plans appear to show the elimination of the brand new roundabouts at Bonds Ranch Road. WTF??

My guess is the roundabouts are probably being removed there because the entire exit with Bonds Ranch Road is being re-configured. The existing slip ramps will be removed. There won't be any ramps on the North side of Bonds Ranch Road. And the on/off ramp types South of Bonds Ranch Road will be switched. That will dramatically change the behavior of traffic on the frontage roads at the Bonds Ranch Road intersection, making it mostly thru traffic or traffic driving significant distances on the frontage roads.

For instance the new exit to leave SB US-287 for Bonds Ranch Road will be just past Wagley Robertson Road. That's quite a way from the current exit ramp for Bonds Ranch Road, which is just before that intersection. With the new exit ramp the motorist will have to take the SB frontage road a good distance (and over new frontage road bridges over the railroad) before finally reaching the Bonds Ranch Road intersection. Motorists are going to be driving longer distances along the frontage roads to get on and off US-287. So it might not be a good idea to have a roundabout suddenly appear in the path of that. Roundabouts are better in slower speed environments.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on January 11, 2020, 12:55:42 AM
They really could stand an over- or underpass at the RR crossing west of US 287 on Bonds Ranch Rd.  The wait for the long trains backs up to 287 fairly readily.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on January 11, 2020, 01:09:42 AM
The home owners in the Dorado Ranch neighborhood next to that RR crossing on Bonds Ranch Road might cry foul over a tall bridge getting built over a busy double-track RR crossing. But then again I don't know how they can put up with the frequent noise of train horns blaring. Someone must have rocks in their head to be willing to buy a home where the back yard fence is right next to a very busy rail line! A bridge over that RR crossing would eliminate the train horns. The rumble from those locomotives passing nearby would still wake me in the middle of the night though.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on January 12, 2020, 12:05:50 AM
Quote from: rte66man on January 10, 2020, 06:26:51 PM
Yet the plans appear to show the elimination of the brand new roundabouts at Bonds Ranch Road. WTF??

Thank god, those traffic circles were more of Fort Worth's ridiculous one size fits all cheapout strategy.  That location was terribly designed, it is overwhelmed much of the day and was the wrong solution with a RR crossing so close.  They've already had to modify it and it is still a cluster. 

The city of Fort Worth should be ashamed of how bad they've thoroughly botched the whole far north side of the city and ETJ.  They've got such a Napoleon Complex driving them to catch Dallas in population that they're letting every lousy development get plopped down without requiring adequate funding for sufficient basic infrastructure.  So many overwhelmed roads with the most minimal designs.  Even something as simple as adding a turn lane on Blue Mound at Harmon would have made a big difference.  Years of project backlogs despite high tax rates.  So much disconnection in the grid.  I'm sure their ideological foofoo planners will try hard to keep the Tarrant/Harmon abomination screwed up.  That last option with a bunch of roundabouts smells like their insistence.

Traffic circles have their place, but FW usually implements them primarily out of cost savings and political ideology, not appropriateness.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BrandonC_TX on January 13, 2020, 01:19:26 AM
I commute the portion of US-81/US-287 that is due for reconstruction pretty much every weekday, and I have definitely noticed the amount of traffic on that corridor seems to be heavy at times.  However, I am worried about the creation of a severe bottleneck where southbound US-287 traffic merges into southbound I-35W.  Excluding the express lanes, you will have 2 SB general-purpose lanes from 35W north of 81/287 plus 3 SB lanes from 81/287 (well, technically only 2 since one of them enters the express facility) having to merge down into just 2 lanes within the course of about a mile (at Western Center).

I would highly suggest that TxDOT add an additional general-purpose lane on I-35W in each direction between I-820 and the US-81/US-287 split, in order to have a 3-2-2-3 configuration on I-35W, concurrent with this project on US-81/US-287.  All of the bridges from north of I-820 to the US-81/US-287 split can already handle a 3-2-2-3 configuration without widening, so this would be essentially a job of simply adding pavement and restriping I-35W.  I would also suggest widening the southbound offramp from I-35W to I-820 to be dual-lane, up to the point traffic heading to WB/EB I-820 splits (which would be a job of widening the embankment and adding pavement since the bridge structure just before the split is already wide enough for 2 lanes).  Problem is that the temporary express lane exit for SB traffic south of Western Center would need to be eliminated for such a project to work, though I guess you could make a permanent express exit there by getting rid of the existing on-ramp from Western Center, move that ramp further south (there is reserved space for an interwoven ramp under the SB exit to I-820), and extending the frontage road to Mark IV Parkway (to provide access to both directions of I-820 for traffic from Western Center).

I've illustrated this idea here. (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1HNVY8OkaknFgfQMpJibBG86va7xFCchm&usp=sharing)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on January 13, 2020, 04:31:07 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on January 10, 2020, 06:57:10 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 08, 2020, 05:42:05 PM
Quote from: dfwmapper on January 08, 2020, 01:46:37 AM
TxDOT is hosting an open house next Tuesday for a project to widen US 75 in Sherman from FM 1417 on the south side to where the current 6 lane section ends near Texoma Parkway/SH 91 south of the US 82 interchange, as well as reconfiguring the US 75/US 82 interchange, which presumably means fixing some of the obsolete ramp designs on US 82 and adding U turns for US 82 in both directions. This should fix one of the most poorly designed sections of freeway left in North Texas, with a dozen structurally obsolete bridges and an exit/entrance pair that has serious problems with backed up exiting traffic and slow merging traffic on the main lanes and a horrible weaving problem on the frontage road.

I wonder if they'll keep some ROW in the future at the junction of US-75/US-82 to put a future stack interchange when traffic level will warrant it?

To put in a stack at 75-82 would require some fancy engineering. There are shopping centers, a Wal-Mart and several gas stations at that location that encroach on the access roads. One way or the other, it'll be extremely expensive.

It is Sherman. Sherman has been bypassed and migrated numerous times over the decades. All of those Eisenhower Parkways, Texoma Parkways, Spur 503s, Highway 91s, and Denison Dams are different versions of The Unfinished Corridor before it got realigned.

They used to have Sher-Den Mall but migrated to Midway Mall. They migrated to Sheman Town Center. If they need to migrate one more time they would be willing to migrate again eventually. I doubt they will be against reconfiguring parking lots.

In 20 or 30 years they are going to outgrow their existing shops and will require larger buildings. They would build them farther away from U.S. 82 and The Unfinished Corridor to make room for more customers and traffic.

As For Walmart: That Walmart is too tiny (with the parking lot too tiny also) and they need to build a larger one some place else anyways.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on January 13, 2020, 07:19:17 PM
Quote from: In_Correct on January 13, 2020, 04:31:07 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on January 10, 2020, 06:57:10 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 08, 2020, 05:42:05 PM
Quote from: dfwmapper on January 08, 2020, 01:46:37 AM
TxDOT is hosting an open house next Tuesday for a project to widen US 75 in Sherman from FM 1417 on the south side to where the current 6 lane section ends near Texoma Parkway/SH 91 south of the US 82 interchange, as well as reconfiguring the US 75/US 82 interchange, which presumably means fixing some of the obsolete ramp designs on US 82 and adding U turns for US 82 in both directions. This should fix one of the most poorly designed sections of freeway left in North Texas, with a dozen structurally obsolete bridges and an exit/entrance pair that has serious problems with backed up exiting traffic and slow merging traffic on the main lanes and a horrible weaving problem on the frontage road.

I wonder if they'll keep some ROW in the future at the junction of US-75/US-82 to put a future stack interchange when traffic level will warrant it?

To put in a stack at 75-82 would require some fancy engineering. There are shopping centers, a Wal-Mart and several gas stations at that location that encroach on the access roads. One way or the other, it'll be extremely expensive.

It is Sherman. Sherman has been bypassed and migrated numerous times over the decades. All of those Eisenhower Parkways, Texoma Parkways, Spur 503s, Highway 91s, and Denison Dams are different versions of The Unfinished Corridor before it got realigned.

They used to have Sher-Den Mall but migrated to Midway Mall. They migrated to Sheman Town Center. If they need to migrate one more time they would be willing to migrate again eventually. I doubt they will be against reconfiguring parking lots.

In 20 or 30 years they are going to outgrow their existing shops and will require larger buildings. They would build them farther away from U.S. 82 and The Unfinished Corridor to make room for more customers and traffic.

As For Walmart: That Walmart is too tiny (with the parking lot too tiny also) and they need to build a larger one some place else anyways.



SH 91 (Formerly SH 75-A) over Denison Dam was never US 69/75. The sections of SH 91 that are Texoma Pkwy and Armstrong Av were US 75. Map that shows this: https://tslarc.tsl.texas.gov/maps/map04873.jpg (https://tslarc.tsl.texas.gov/maps/map04873.jpg)

Before the bridge at the current location, it used a toll bridge located to  the east of the RR bridge. A pier from that bridge still exists. Here's a map that shows it: https://tslarc.tsl.texas.gov/maps/map06156.jpg (https://tslarc.tsl.texas.gov/maps/map06156.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: dfwmapper on January 15, 2020, 10:49:00 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 08, 2020, 05:42:05 PM
Btw, there's some schematics of the freeway upgrade of US-81/287 and they show some alternatives studied with Harmon Road and N. Tarrant Parkway. http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot/get-involved/ftw/us81-us287/111419-schematic.pdf
That DDI is wild. Who looks at a DDI and says, "This isn't complicated enough, let's add a flyover and a loop ramp."?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on January 16, 2020, 11:45:31 AM
Yes it looks wild!

(https://i.imgur.com/PJJfxop.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on January 16, 2020, 12:32:49 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on January 11, 2020, 01:09:42 AM
The home owners in the Dorado Ranch neighborhood next to that RR crossing on Bonds Ranch Road might cry foul over a tall bridge getting built over a busy double-track RR crossing. But then again I don't know how they can put up with the frequent noise of train horns blaring. Someone must have rocks in their head to be willing to buy a home where the back yard fence is right next to a very busy rail line! A bridge over that RR crossing would eliminate the train horns. The rumble from those locomotives passing nearby would still wake me in the middle of the night though.

I was stuck there for about 20 minutes the other day.  I believe that is a quiet zone as I don't recall hearing any train horns while in the area. IMO an over/underpass is desperately needed along with a widening to a minimum of 5 lanes from 35W west to Bus81/287. Most of the ROW is already there.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on January 16, 2020, 04:12:08 PM
Quote from: rte66man on January 16, 2020, 12:32:49 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on January 11, 2020, 01:09:42 AM
The home owners in the Dorado Ranch neighborhood next to that RR crossing on Bonds Ranch Road might cry foul over a tall bridge getting built over a busy double-track RR crossing. But then again I don't know how they can put up with the frequent noise of train horns blaring. Someone must have rocks in their head to be willing to buy a home where the back yard fence is right next to a very busy rail line! A bridge over that RR crossing would eliminate the train horns. The rumble from those locomotives passing nearby would still wake me in the middle of the night though.

I was stuck there for about 20 minutes the other day.  I believe that is a quiet zone as I don't recall hearing any train horns while in the area. IMO an over/underpass is desperately needed along with a widening to a minimum of 5 lanes from 35W west to Bus81/287. Most of the ROW is already there.

That neighbourhood is located near the rail lines, the U.S. 287, a bridge over the rail lines, and a bridge over Bonds Ranch Road. The houses have fences to separate themselves from the infrastructure. It will not hurt any thing to add a third bridge so Bonds Ranch Road can be grade separated from the rail lines. Bonds Ranch Road has three other rail road crossings that could easily have bridges over them. I never like when I exit a grade separated highway only to find rail road crossings. The parallel rail lines near a grade separated highway should be grade separated also.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BrandonC_TX on February 17, 2020, 05:56:23 AM
I am surprised at the lack of long-range planning for the SH 114 corridor between FM 156 near Justin and US 287 in Rhome.  TxDOT should be making every effort to make this a freeway corridor in the future.  Ending a freeway at a school zone is not a smart idea.  It looks like there is some construction (or was) on the north side of 114 at Harriet Creek Parkway just north of the Northwest ISD complex that would now interfere with a future freeway.  It may come down to taking land from NISD (as well as any buildings added on the north side of 114) to make room for a freeway at this location; the special programs center would be less of a loss than the stadium.  If development adjacent to 114 continues, SH 114 will wind up in a situation just like US 380 between Denton and McKinney, needing a freeway upgrade but unable to get one.

It is also unfortunate that TxDOT, the City of Fort Worth, and the City of Northlake allowed development so close to the I-35W and SH 114 intersection, making the future construction of a stack interchange there much more of a challenge.  This is not a location that should be stuck with a volleyball interchange.

Ending the SH 114 freeway at FM 156 would have been a bit more tolerable when SH 170 was planned to continue west of I-35W (to at least US 287), but as SH 170 is now planned to end at 35W, 114 will eventually need to be a freeway all the way to Rhome (or the SH 170 freeway revived).  I believe local opposition in the Haslet area (including by the City of Haslet) killed the SH 170 freeway west of I-35W.  Housing demand is high in this area and development is going to happen, regardless of whether SH 114 becomes a freeway or not.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on March 08, 2020, 03:49:55 AM
Looks like the 3rd free lane each way will finally be added to I-820 between I-35W and 121, to be opened by June 2024.  Traffic hit the trigger threshold that requires the North Tarrant Express to build those.  Also adding a toll lane each way on 183/121 between I-820 and where 121 splits off in Bedford in that time frame. 

NTE requesting to add more toll lanes on 183 between the 121 split and east of 161.

In the early part of Segment 6 of this presentation: 

https://nctcog.swagit.com/play/02272020-674
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BrandonC_TX on March 08, 2020, 04:42:04 PM
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on March 08, 2020, 03:49:55 AM
Looks like the 3rd free lane each way will finally be added to I-820 between I-35W and 121, to be opened by June 2024.  Traffic hit the trigger threshold that requires the North Tarrant Express to build those.  Also adding a toll lane each way on 183/121 between I-820 and where 121 splits off in Bedford in that time frame. 

NTE requesting to add more toll lanes on 183 between the 121 split and east of 161.

In the early part of Segment 6 of this presentation: 

https://nctcog.swagit.com/play/02272020-674

That third lane on 820 is needed badly.  I also hope something is done about that horrible bottleneck going westbound at Holiday Lane.  Question is how long those traffic improvements will last (due to induced demand).  Eventually I would also like to see a fourth free lane on 183/121 from 820 to the 121 split (though that road was not built with free lane additions in mind, so "skinny lanes" would be an unfortunate necessity there).

Now if only there could be a third lane added on 35W from 820 north to the 287 split.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on March 08, 2020, 06:20:40 PM
Refuse the Skinny Lanes before they narrow to 6 feet.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 09, 2020, 03:54:53 AM
This is pretty much fictional at this point so I don't intend to start too much discussion on it but does anyone every think a Grand Toll Road like the Houston outer loop will be proposed in DFW? It really needs it and would be utilized in both directions. They need a entire new loop that wraps around the entire metro and connects each end of all the freeways the seemingly degrade into a surface street.

I'm not really even worried about signing as it would make more sense to have one end signed as X35 and the other X45(given an I-45 extension) just a simple DFW Bypass to Houston or Austin would suffice for the time being.

Such a road should be completed no later than a decade from now as it was needed in the 90s. I would be more than happy with this being a toll road which I usually oppose. Why isn't this even being merely considered and studied? I can't think of too many cities in need of a bypass worse than Dallas.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on March 09, 2020, 10:14:01 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on March 09, 2020, 03:54:53 AM
This is pretty much fictional at this point so I don't intend to start too much discussion on it but does anyone every think a Grand Toll Road like the Houston outer loop will be proposed in DFW?

There might be Loop 9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_State_Highway_Loop_9  But it's doubful it all of Loop 9 will be a tollway.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 09, 2020, 10:29:19 AM
Even better if it isn't tolled but I highly doubt with all of the pressing needs in Texas a project of this magnitude could be feasible without tolls if they want to have it done by 2050 let alone this decade.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 09, 2020, 12:38:01 PM
There's no way Loop 9 is getting done using gasoline tax revenue alone. The state and federal government would have to allocate a big chunk of funding. Otherwise the thing would have to be built a segment at a time as a toll road.

I think Loop 9 is down the list of priorities however. A freeway or toll road connection is badly needed between Denton and McKinney (thanks to much of US-380 being overrun with development). The 2nd phase of the I-35E expansion from Dallas to Denton is due to start in the coming years. The SE extension of the Bush Turnpike (from I-30 down to I-20) has been in limbo for too long. TX-114 badly needs to be improved to freeway standards to Texas Motor Speedway and all the way to US-287 in Rhome. Plus TX-114 and I-35W needs some kind of directional stack interchange, which should be a very tough design challenge thanks to all the encroachment by developers onto 3 corners of the property. The list of projects goes on and on.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on March 10, 2020, 11:33:39 AM
Yes. Toll Every Thing.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 10, 2020, 12:46:53 PM
Most of those projects would probably have to carry tolls on them if they're going to get completed any time in the near future. It's either that or the construction companies and engineers will have to figure out some way how to build new super highway projects for less money. We know that sure isn't going to happen!
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on March 10, 2020, 01:34:12 PM
They need to identify a large new source of funding if tolling is not politically viable. Otherwise these megaprojects don't get build, or very incrementally over a long period of time. However the Dallas-Fort Worth population is growing rapidly so there isn't time to wait for incremental construction.

According to the TomTom Traffic Index, Dallas-Fort Worth has the least congestion of any metro area over 5 million people in the world, but it won't stay that way if they don't get these large projects going.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 10, 2020, 09:54:43 PM
That "least congestion" term for the DFW metroplex is definitely a relative term to those metros with over 5 million people. I've been in a decent number of traffic jams in Dallas, both on freeways and surface streets. The surface streets in some areas can be a real slog. Northern areas of Dallas, such as Addison, can put drivers through quite an ordeal.

One of the bright sides about Dallas from the perspective of surface streets is some of the newer additions have been limiting the number of driveways that empty out into the main arterials, reducing the number of traffic signals and incorporating more lanes into the main roads. I'm not a big fan of these partial, interim solutions -like the 2-2T-2T-2 arrangement on I-820 in Fort Worth or the narrow lanes on I-35W. But that's just one of the realities that come with having only so much money to fund a massive highway project.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 10, 2020, 10:45:45 PM
I just don't see how a belt around the DFW metro could happen anytime soon without tolls. I bet it's at least a 10 billion dollar project. I would be more than happy to pay tolls and it could be a six lane 85 MPH speed limit road that is designed first and foremost as a real bypass.

I have always wondered if something like building a large elevated bridge along I-35 W and having one 2-3 exits through the entire city would work.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on March 11, 2020, 04:38:58 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on March 10, 2020, 09:54:43 PM
That "least congestion" term for the DFW metroplex is definitely a relative term to those metros with over 5 million people. I've been in a decent number of traffic jams in Dallas, both on freeways and surface streets. The surface streets in some areas can be a real slog. Northern areas of Dallas, such as Addison, can put drivers through quite an ordeal.

The American perception of what is bad traffic may be different from the rest of the world. Apart from a few really congested cities like Los Angeles and New York, traffic congestion in the United States is considerably less than elsewhere in the world, especially cities with a metro area under 3 million have much less congestion than similar sized cities in Europe and Asia.

For example: Houston ranks 224th and Dallas 308th in travel time delays worldwide (out of 416 cities). U.S. cities make up a considerable majority of the world's 100 least congested cities.

You can see the whole list here: https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/traffic-index/ranking/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 11, 2020, 03:46:07 PM
Quote from: Plutonic PandaI have always wondered if something like building a large elevated bridge along I-35 W and having one 2-3 exits through the entire city would work.

Elevated bridge structures are not very popular politically, although TX DOT does seem to have more success building such structures than most other state DOT organizations. Still, DFW has too many major route connections for any super express route built along I-35W or I-35E to have only a couple or so exits.

I think what we'll see happen is further expansion of concepts like the I-35E/I-635 TEXpress lanes in North Dallas. Austin is going to do something along those lines with I-35, but likely with the more costly alternative of putting the express lanes in deep bore tunnels under everything else.

Quote from: ChrisThe American perception of what is bad traffic may be different from the rest of the world.

A traffic jam is a traffic jam. I remember one experience on the West side of Houston. It took me a half hour just to get through a cluster of stop light signals on Gessner Road to get onto I-10. A hospital complex was on the left and a big mall off to the right. It was a total clusterf***. This wasn't even during rush hour either.

Then there's the factors that seem uniquely American. Like idiots who can't seem to leave their phones alone for more than a few minutes of time. So if you're on a really busy street jammed with traffic and the green light leaves only so long a window of time for cars to move it leaves no room for delays. When some moron has to finish writing his text message or tweet before the people behind him can move the moron creates a chain reaction of delays (and road rage) for everyone behind him. The same goes for people who drive abnormally slow through intersections. As you might be able to tell, I really don't like slow drivers.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BrandonC_TX on March 12, 2020, 12:08:19 AM
Quote from: In_Correct on March 08, 2020, 06:20:40 PM
Refuse the Skinny Lanes before they narrow to 6 feet.

I know that comment about 6 foot lanes was meant to be sarcastic, but it made me think about having narrow motorcycle lanes on freeways as an interesting traffic solution; that said, I don't think motorcycles are popular enough here to justify the use of dedicated motorcycle lanes.  In Indonesia, where motorcycles are more popular, there are a few examples of motorcycle lanes (actually separate "roads" pretty much) on the Suramadu Bridge and the Bali Mandara Toll Road. Keep in mind that motorcycles are normally prohibited from using the toll roads in Indonesia (and are only allowed on these roads because of the barrier-separated motorcycle lanes).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 12, 2020, 12:30:59 AM
Thanks to compulsive mobile phone users and other people who drive with their heads firmly reverse-birthed up their @$$es, it's pretty much a life-risking thing to drive a motorcycle on busy streets or highways in the US now. It's even risky riding a bicycle. I really do NOT like fake bicycle paths that consist of nothing more than a painted "lane" on the shoulder of a street, or signage saying the street is "shared" between bicycles and motor vehicles. That's just a joke and total denial of reality.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on April 27, 2020, 04:59:39 AM
Quote from: Chris on March 11, 2020, 04:38:58 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on March 10, 2020, 09:54:43 PM
That "least congestion" term for the DFW metroplex is definitely a relative term to those metros with over 5 million people. I've been in a decent number of traffic jams in Dallas, both on freeways and surface streets. The surface streets in some areas can be a real slog. Northern areas of Dallas, such as Addison, can put drivers through quite an ordeal.

The American perception of what is bad traffic may be different from the rest of the world. Apart from a few really congested cities like Los Angeles and New York, traffic congestion in the United States is considerably less than elsewhere in the world, especially cities with a metro area under 3 million have much less congestion than similar sized cities in Europe and Asia.

For example: Houston ranks 224th and Dallas 308th in travel time delays worldwide (out of 416 cities). U.S. cities make up a considerable majority of the world's 100 least congested cities.

You can see the whole list here: https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/traffic-index/ranking/
The DFW metro is 7 million people not 3 million. 3 million might be in the urban core but overall it 7 million now.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on April 27, 2020, 10:52:15 AM
The LBJ East project (US 75 to I-30) has taken its first construction step--the managed HOV lanes have closed as of today, and won't reopen until the project is complete in 2024.

https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/city-life/04-23-20-txdot-takes-first-step-in-lbj-east-project-in-north-dallas/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 28, 2020, 05:04:57 PM
Quote from: motorola870The DFW metro is 7 million people not 3 million. 3 million might be in the urban core but overall it 7 million now.

Yeah, the metropolitan statistical area population of the DFW metroplex is around 7.4 million people. Dallas alone has a city limits population of 1.345 million (2018 estimate). Fort Worth is up to 895,000 (2018 estimate) for its city limits population. Arlington has nearly 400,000 people. DFW literally has dozens of other city-sized suburbs clustered around the two main twin cities. It's a pretty remarkable metro area. It's especially remarkable for how fast it has been growing. Cities like Frisco barely existed 20 years ago. Now it's getting packed with development.

Houston is another one. The city limits population is 2.3 million (2018). The metro population is over 6 million.

San Antonio has the 2nd largest city limits population in Texas with almost 1.5 million people. Austin is on the verge of passing the 1 million mark, the 2018 estimate is 964,254. About 5 million people live in the Austin and San Antonio region. Small but rapidly growing cities like San Marcos and New Braunfels will make those two big city metros merge together.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on April 29, 2020, 03:52:23 AM
Quote from: motorola870 on April 27, 2020, 04:59:39 AM
Quote from: Chris on March 11, 2020, 04:38:58 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on March 10, 2020, 09:54:43 PM
That "least congestion" term for the DFW metroplex is definitely a relative term to those metros with over 5 million people. I've been in a decent number of traffic jams in Dallas, both on freeways and surface streets. The surface streets in some areas can be a real slog. Northern areas of Dallas, such as Addison, can put drivers through quite an ordeal.

The American perception of what is bad traffic may be different from the rest of the world. Apart from a few really congested cities like Los Angeles and New York, traffic congestion in the United States is considerably less than elsewhere in the world, especially cities with a metro area under 3 million have much less congestion than similar sized cities in Europe and Asia.

For example: Houston ranks 224th and Dallas 308th in travel time delays worldwide (out of 416 cities). U.S. cities make up a considerable majority of the world's 100 least congested cities.

You can see the whole list here: https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/traffic-index/ranking/
The DFW metro is 7 million people not 3 million. 3 million might be in the urban core but overall it 7 million now.

I never said the DFW metro has 3 million people, you can read what I wrote in the post you've just quoted...  :hmmm:
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on April 29, 2020, 10:17:47 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on March 10, 2020, 10:45:45 PM
I just don’t see how a belt around the DFW metro could happen anytime soon without tolls. I bet it’s at least a 10 billion dollar project. I would be more than happy to pay tolls and it could be a six lane 85 MPH speed limit road that is designed first and foremost as a real bypass.

I have always wondered if something like building a large elevated bridge along I-35 W and having one 2-3 exits through the entire city would work.

I want to clarify one thing. When you are talking about a major city. Loop and Bypass are not the same thing.  a 46 mile loop even at 85 MPH will rarely entice drivers from a 15 to 20 mile route through the heart of the city.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on April 29, 2020, 11:36:21 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on March 11, 2020, 03:46:07 PM
Quote from: Plutonic PandaI have always wondered if something like building a large elevated bridge along I-35 W and having one 2-3 exits through the entire city would work.

Elevated bridge structures are not very popular politically, although TX DOT does seem to have more success building such structures than most other state DOT organizations.


Texas has a bigger buffer with the Through Frontage Roads and since the frontage roads are there, there are mostly commercial facilities adjacent to the freeway elevated or not.  It isn't more acceptable because it is Texas. It is less opposed because homes and parks are seldom immediately adjacent to the freeway itself.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 29, 2020, 06:49:03 PM
Quote from: ChrisI never said the DFW metro has 3 million people, you can read what I wrote in the post you've just quoted...

It still looks implied. You brought up an arbitrary metro population figure of 3 million in one sentence. The next "For Example" sentence lists Houston and Dallas. It would have been better to use cities with metro populations closer to that 3 million figure than two metros double that size.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: davmillar on May 15, 2020, 04:54:14 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on March 10, 2020, 10:45:45 PM
I just don't see how a belt around the DFW metro could happen anytime soon without tolls. I bet it's at least a 10 billion dollar project. I would be more than happy to pay tolls and it could be a six lane 85 MPH speed limit road that is designed first and foremost as a real bypass.

I have always wondered if something like building a large elevated bridge along I-35 W and having one 2-3 exits through the entire city would work.
Hmmm... it's weird hearing that perspective and living in the metro and seeing all of the problems with travel from one part to another, not even considering through traffic.

I live in west Fort Worth near where west loop I-820 and I-30 cross, and my day job relocated to Lewisville, very near to where I-35E and TX-121/SRT cross. There are so many little headaches along the handful of ways to get there and back, and all of their problems seem to stem from construction meant to alleviate other problems. I'm presently very thankful to be working from home full-time. (And likely 3-4 days per week even if there is a return to the office.) The real solution feels like fixing the housing around the metro and telling everyone to get their crap together and move near work instead of 45 minutes to 2 hours away... or maybe the glorious age of remote work will remove the need for so much commuting?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on May 15, 2020, 03:39:30 PM
^^^^ personally, I don't mind a nice 20-30 commute. Above 30 minutes each way gets old but I enjoy driving, listening to music, and I clear my mind when I drive. What takes 100 percent of the fun out of that is when I hit stop and go traffic. I don't even mind a little bit of congestion but when it becomes stop and go, I start getting pissed off.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on May 15, 2020, 04:21:33 PM
I like it that the roads are continually improving in Dallas-Fort Worth. However, I've never really enjoyed driving in the DFW metroplex. I'm always on edge, trying to stay hyper-alert. The tolls on the express lanes can be pretty high. But some of the traffic jams on the free lanes can be soul-crushing. Getting around on the surface streets in some areas can be a real fiasco.

Quote from: davmillarThe real solution feels like fixing the housing around the metro and telling everyone to get their crap together and move near work instead of 45 minutes to 2 hours away... or maybe the glorious age of remote work will remove the need for so much commuting?

The "New Urbanist" fantasy of getting everyone to live in or very close to dense downtown districts gets completely shot to hell by the real world factor of extreme living costs. Just living in an urban or suburban setting is getting to be financially unsustainable for many people without even bringing in the premium priced downtown properties into the equation.

Suburban sprawl is literally fueled by people trying to find housing that doesn't eat most of their paychecks. Then there's the lesser factors. Some people who can afford the high costs of downtown housing move out to the suburbs for peace and quiet. Maybe they want a bigger home for the same amount of money. Or maybe they want their kids going to schools where more of the kids are white and middle/upper class.

This pandemic may also add another factor to sour people on dense downtown living environments. I've seen a couple news articles about high rise property owners in New York City being fearful a Pandora's box of sorts has been opened. Many businesses have found out it's not so bad having employees work in a "telecommuting" environment. And they might be able to save a fortune on office space rent.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BrandonC_TX on May 16, 2020, 08:55:31 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on May 15, 2020, 04:21:33 PM
This pandemic may also add another factor to sour people on dense downtown living environments. I've seen a couple news articles about high rise property owners in New York City being fearful a Pandora's box of sorts has been opened. Many businesses have found out it's not so bad having employees work in a "telecommuting" environment. And they might be able to save a fortune on office space rent.

It is not necessarily dense areas that are fueling the spread of COVID-19.  One viewpoint promoted by the The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/15/opinion/coronavirus-cities-density.html) seems to connect impoverished dense areas (that are more overcrowded) with viral spread, but not necessarily dense areas per se, if they are not overcrowded or if the residents are wealthier. 

What really matters for the future of dense development and New Urbanism is the perception that dense areas are problematic.  The pandemic has made an imprint on the human psyche that we are better off isolating ourselves, which if this continues post-COVID-19 (behavioral habits take time to adjust), would continue to fuel the type of development seen in suburban sprawl.  The problem with density at this point would likely involve overcrowding at amenities, such as parks, along sidewalks, and at other features that enhance quality-of-life for those living in a dense city.  If you live in a fairly dense city in a somewhat-small apartment, you will want to leave the house from time-to-time.  It is impossible to practice social distancing if the sidewalks are not extremely wide, particularly in situations where you encounter oncoming pedestrians.

I locked down in mid-March and probably did not leave my house, with the exception of visiting family members, for a month.  By mid-April I started getting out a few times a week, but I have not yet done anything that would require me to leave my car.  I do live in a single-family home on a fairly large lot (that has some empty property behind it that we also own), so it is almost like I have my own private park.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on August 14, 2020, 09:29:34 PM
US 377 Roanoke construction update:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50227407746_c65a2d91b8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jwqAqJ)8.13.2020.377.1 (https://flic.kr/p/2jwqAqJ) by Brian Kosich (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr

Financial institution Charles Schwab built a new facility here, and Schwab Way added to Trophy Lake Dr exit:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50227635062_3fe4639cf0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jwrKZY)8.13.2020.SH.114.Schwab.Way (https://flic.kr/p/2jwrKZY) by Brian Kosich (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr

The City of Roanoke has recently added 2-WAY signs at two intersections on Oak St to warn that cross traffic does not stop. Clearly they have never read the MUTCD, as this is dangerous, and could have the opposite of the intended effect
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50227653717_da48e0b112_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jwrRxB)8.13.2020.2-way.1 (https://flic.kr/p/2jwrRxB) by Brian Kosich (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on August 22, 2020, 12:45:21 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on August 14, 2020, 09:29:34 PM
US 377 Roanoke construction update:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50227407746_c65a2d91b8_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jwqAqJ)8.13.2020.377.1 (https://flic.kr/p/2jwqAqJ) by Brian Kosich (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr

Financial institution Charles Schwab built a new facility here, and Schwab Way added to Trophy Lake Dr exit:
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50227635062_3fe4639cf0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jwrKZY)8.13.2020.SH.114.Schwab.Way (https://flic.kr/p/2jwrKZY) by Brian Kosich (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr

The City of Roanoke has recently added 2-WAY signs at two intersections on Oak St to warn that cross traffic does not stop. Clearly they have never read the MUTCD, as this is dangerous, and could have the opposite of the intended effect
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50227653717_da48e0b112_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jwrRxB)8.13.2020.2-way.1 (https://flic.kr/p/2jwrRxB) by Brian Kosich (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr

Thank You for providing the updates about the U.S. 377. :sombrero: I have been waiting for the much needed updates on this highway.  :coffee: Now that some of it has finally been constructed, I will be able to drive on it safely. 
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BrandonC_TX on September 09, 2020, 07:10:55 AM
Has anyone noticed the construction going on at the I-820/I-35W interchange in north Fort Worth?  It looks like they are adding a eastbound-to-northbound connector ramp to the I-35W express lanes, and widening the Mark IV Parkway bridge, among other things.  It is also clear that work on I-35W Segment 3C (north of US-81/287 to the Tarrant/Denton county line) has started, with noticeable construction work at the southern end of the project around Heritage Trace Parkway as well as around SH-170.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on September 09, 2020, 10:13:09 AM
Quote from: BrandonC_TX on September 09, 2020, 07:10:55 AM
Has anyone noticed the construction going on at the I-820/I-35W interchange in north Fort Worth?  It looks like they are adding a eastbound-to-northbound connector ramp to the I-35W express lanes, and widening the Mark IV Parkway bridge, among other things.  It is also clear that work on I-35W Segment 3C (north of US-81/287 to the Tarrant/Denton county line) has started, with noticeable construction work at the southern end of the project around Heritage Trace Parkway as well as around SH-170.

I would hope they start by making the frontage roads run all the way through south of 170 to Heritage Trace Parkway.  Everyone is forced onto 35W creating unneeded traffic jams.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BrandonC_TX on September 10, 2020, 09:50:19 PM
Quote from: rte66man on September 09, 2020, 10:13:09 AM
Quote from: BrandonC_TX on September 09, 2020, 07:10:55 AM
Has anyone noticed the construction going on at the I-820/I-35W interchange in north Fort Worth?  It looks like they are adding a eastbound-to-northbound connector ramp to the I-35W express lanes, and widening the Mark IV Parkway bridge, among other things.  It is also clear that work on I-35W Segment 3C (north of US-81/287 to the Tarrant/Denton county line) has started, with noticeable construction work at the southern end of the project around Heritage Trace Parkway as well as around SH-170.

I would hope they start by making the frontage roads run all the way through south of 170 to Heritage Trace Parkway.  Everyone is forced onto 35W creating unneeded traffic jams.

Looking at these schematics (https://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/fed/infra/2017/i35d.pdf), the addition of frontage roads between SH-170 and Timberland/Keller-Hicks does appear to be within the scope of this project.  I do suspect that there will be a major bottleneck where 170 traffic merges onto SB I-35W, though.  Furthermore, the new express connectors at the I-820 interchange are for EB-to-NB (entrance diverging from the existing EB I-820 to NB I-35W connector) and a new SB I-35W express lane to WB I-820 ramp.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on September 10, 2020, 10:09:27 PM
Quote from: BrandonC_TX on September 09, 2020, 07:10:55 AM
Has anyone noticed the construction going on at the I-820/I-35W interchange in north Fort Worth?  It looks like they are adding a eastbound-to-northbound connector ramp to the I-35W express lanes, and widening the Mark IV Parkway bridge, among other things.  It is also clear that work on I-35W Segment 3C (north of US-81/287 to the Tarrant/Denton county line) has started, with noticeable construction work at the southern end of the project around Heritage Trace Parkway as well as around SH-170.

I just happened to drive on the 35W express lanes northbound on Sunday and took this photo of the ramp construction you mentioned.

I was surprised the see the construction, since I thought the interchange was done.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2FAARoads%2F35W-express-20200905.jpg&hash=536c204dfe80cae318d947c72027a8bd95704b66)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on September 11, 2020, 11:28:48 AM
Is it a toll ramp? There are toll ramps at several points in North Texas that link free portions of a freeway to either a tollway or another free freeway.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on September 12, 2020, 02:01:07 AM
Quote from: bwana39 on September 11, 2020, 11:28:48 AM
Is it a toll ramp? There are toll ramps at several points in North Texas that link free portions of a freeway to either a tollway or another free freeway.

I hope so.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on September 12, 2020, 02:42:23 PM
I posted some photos of the new IH-35E collector-distributor construction in downtown Dallas
http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-north/construction-downtown-collector (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-north/construction-downtown-collector)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-north%2Fconstruction%2F20200906-07_333_2560.jpg&hash=65efb0065a14e183b8d9379c5927eb7a62eab5ce)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on September 14, 2020, 12:22:53 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on September 12, 2020, 02:42:23 PM
I posted some photos of the new IH-35E collector-distributor construction in downtown Dallas
http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-north/construction-downtown-collector (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-north/construction-downtown-collector)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-north%2Fconstruction%2F20200906-07_333_2560.jpg&hash=65efb0065a14e183b8d9379c5927eb7a62eab5ce)

Whats the purpose of this project?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on September 14, 2020, 01:51:16 PM
The
Quote from: longhorn on September 14, 2020, 12:22:53 PM
Whats the purpose of this project?

The purpose is to relieve congestion by reducing merging/weaving on the main lanes. While I have not driven this section regularly lately, I remember the long backups on the DNT southbound trying to get on Stemmons, and the backups going northbound. According to the traffic modelling data they released, this will drastically speed up connections on the entrances and exits in this area, including DNT and Woodall Rodgers.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on January 17, 2021, 06:18:50 PM
Google maps and OpenStreetmaps show 2 ramps of the Six Flags Texas interchange (I-30 and TX-360, that's a nickname I gived to that stack interchange) open.
https://goo.gl/maps/8ods7Gf7eyjvM8qd7
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.75903,-97.06362&z=17&t=M
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on January 18, 2021, 12:50:23 AM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on January 17, 2021, 06:18:50 PM
Google maps and OpenStreetmaps show 2 ramps of the Six Flags Texas interchange (I-30 and TX-360, that's a nickname I gived to that stack interchange) open.
https://goo.gl/maps/8ods7Gf7eyjvM8qd7
http://mapper.acme.com/?ll=32.75903,-97.06362&z=17&t=M
The ramps have been open for some months now. Just very little progress on the other 6 ramps. Not even sure if they will meet the 2021 project goal. Right now they are in process of finishing the 360 overpass bridges over interstate 30 and they have shifted northbound 360 on to the old south bound bridge temporarily.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on March 19, 2021, 08:15:04 PM
SH 170 freeway lanes under construction I-35W to US 377. I had no idea this was in progress. The last time i was down there, which was not too long ago, there was no trace of construction. I found about it on Facebook.

Anyway, the pics show the the SH 170 freeway lanes are under construction. It boggles my mind that they would do the SH 170 freeway lanes before the SH 114 freeway lanes. The US 377/SH 114 intersection is severely congested, while SH 170 appears to have no congestion issues.

Facebook Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1442313999289252 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1442313999289252)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on March 20, 2021, 05:54:38 AM
In one of the photos on their Facebook page, it looks as if the southbound frontage road on 35W is finally being extended to Keller Hicks Road. Is that correct? It is BADLY needed.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on March 20, 2021, 07:05:03 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on March 19, 2021, 08:15:04 PM
SH 170 freeway lanes under construction I-35W to US 377. I had no idea this was in progress. The last time i was down there, which was not too long ago, there was no trace of construction. I found about it on Facebook.

Anyway, the pics show the the SH 170 freeway lanes are under construction. It boggles my mind that they would do the SH 170 freeway lanes before the SH 114 freeway lanes. The US 377/SH 114 intersection is severely congested, while SH 170 appears to have no congestion issues.

Facebook Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1442313999289252 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1442313999289252)
Because the 114 mainlanes are being timed to coincidence with the I35W rebuild.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on April 05, 2021, 04:09:45 PM
No surprise, northern Tarrant County, Fort Worth, and Haslet have done a terrible job in kicking the can down the road on road projects while allowing massive housing and industrial growth.  So many fusterclucks out there, that are still years away from significant relief.  Every time I'm stuck in the bog at Westport/I-35w intersection, with it's construction narrowed and clogged no light, all way stop signs jam up, I get ragey thinking about how all the surrounding counties do a better job of this.  That's such a major truck access point for years, and increasingly so.  Didn't Haslet NIMBYism help kill off the proposed extension of 170 west of I-35?  The replacement Avondale-Haslet Rd extension to I-35w has yet to begin construction, but even if they had just built the 1/3rd of a mile section from I-35w to Harmon Rd it would have made a huge difference these days during the I-35w tollway construction.

Why couldn't they add a short section of temp turn lanes at Harmon and Bailey-Boswell Roads on the (multi-year take forever) Blue Mound Road widening project?  Would cut delays in half, at a minimum.  Filling the less than half mile Harmon Road gap south of 287, requiring no bridges and flat, would have helped.  But my favorite is the new light at the US Mint.  It's a T-intersection, so there's no left turn possible northbound.  Yet southbound traffic has to sit at an extended red after northbound gets a green.  What's the point of that?

I assume the much needed filling the gap in Heritage Trace between Blue Mound and east of 287 is waiting on the 287 upgrade project (itself much needed but still in planning, correct?), but does anyone know the schedule for the Heritage Trace grade separation at the railroad tracks west of Blue Mound?  I don't think BNSF will allow an at-grade crossing there, it is an important location for parking trains waiting to get into their Haslet railyard.

It looks like a developer is building the section west of the tracks to Wagley Robertson (or is that just pipeline construction?)  Timeline on Heritage Trace from there to Business 287?  I see construction has started on Heritage Trace west of Business 287 and a new subdivision going up halfway to Boat Club Road.

Edit:  Yeah, 114 from 170 to I-35w is in Denton County, but the major holdup on that is TXDOT, correct?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 09, 2021, 04:30:14 PM
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on April 05, 2021, 04:09:45 PM
No surprise, northern Tarrant County, Fort Worth, and Haslet have done a terrible job in kicking the can down the road on road projects while allowing massive housing and industrial growth.  So many fusterclucks out there, that are still years away from significant relief.  Every time I'm stuck in the bog at Westport/I-35w intersection, with it's construction narrowed and clogged no light, all way stop signs jam up, I get ragey thinking about how all the surrounding counties do a better job of this.  That's such a major truck access point for years, and increasingly so.  Didn't Haslet NIMBYism help kill off the proposed extension of 170 west of I-35?  The replacement Avondale-Haslet Rd extension to I-35w has yet to begin construction, but even if they had just built the 1/3rd of a mile section from I-35w to Harmon Rd it would have made a huge difference these days during the I-35w tollway construction.

Why couldn't they add a short section of temp turn lanes at Harmon and Bailey-Boswell Roads on the (multi-year take forever) Blue Mound Road widening project?  Would cut delays in half, at a minimum.  Filling the less than half mile Harmon Road gap south of 287, requiring no bridges and flat, would have helped.  But my favorite is the new light at the US Mint.  It's a T-intersection, so there's no left turn possible northbound.  Yet southbound traffic has to sit at an extended red after northbound gets a green.  What's the point of that?

I assume the much needed filling the gap in Heritage Trace between Blue Mound and east of 287 is waiting on the 287 upgrade project (itself much needed but still in planning, correct?), but does anyone know the schedule for the Heritage Trace grade separation at the railroad tracks west of Blue Mound?  I don't think BNSF will allow an at-grade crossing there, it is an important location for parking trains waiting to get into their Haslet railyard.

It looks like a developer is building the section west of the tracks to Wagley Robertson (or is that just pipeline construction?)  Timeline on Heritage Trace from there to Business 287?  I see construction has started on Heritage Trace west of Business 287 and a new subdivision going up halfway to Boat Club Road.

Edit:  Yeah, 114 from 170 to I-35w is in Denton County, but the major holdup on that is TXDOT, correct?

Tarrant County has always been way behind and crappier when it comes to roads and signage
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on April 09, 2021, 04:34:57 PM
TxDOT has announced that they will move the exit ramp for US 380 on NB I-35 back to where the Oak St entrance ramp is now. This is to eliminate the problem of the ramp backing up on to the freeway, but will put it very close to the I-35W merge, which will likely create a new problem.

I-35E ROW clearance is progressing in Denton. The Jack-In-The Box at Loop 288 has been demolished, and so had the sign for James wood Autoplex.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on April 09, 2021, 10:04:06 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 09, 2021, 04:34:57 PM
TxDOT has announced that they will move the exit ramp for US 380 on NB I-35 back to where the Oak St entrance ramp is now. This is to eliminate the problem of the ramp backing up on to the freeway, but will put it very close to the I-35W merge, which will likely create a new problem.

I-35E ROW clearance is progressing in Denton. The Jack-In-The Box at Loop 288 has been demolished, and so had the sign for James wood Autoplex.


I'm confused by this. Didn't they grab the necessary ROW during the last round of construction?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on April 10, 2021, 11:17:39 AM
Quote from: rte66man on April 09, 2021, 10:04:06 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on April 09, 2021, 04:34:57 PM
TxDOT has announced that they will move the exit ramp for US 380 on NB I-35 back to where the Oak St entrance ramp is now. This is to eliminate the problem of the ramp backing up on to the freeway, but will put it very close to the I-35W merge, which will likely create a new problem.

I-35E ROW clearance is progressing in Denton. The Jack-In-The Box at Loop 288 has been demolished, and so had the sign for James wood Autoplex.


I'm confused by this. Didn't they grab the necessary ROW during the last round of construction?
Not all of it. They left some of it due to the objections from business owners they only did about half of the master planned project. They did not even replace the US 77 on ramp to southbound I35E on the Southside of Denton where it splits off they just raised it a little and added another set of bridge pillars.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on April 10, 2021, 04:12:36 PM
Google Streetview shown one of the 2 new ramps at the upcoming "Six Flags interchange" (I-30/TX-360). https://goo.gl/maps/L6Vo4DhkoPxHNvdB7

Edit: Google maps also updated their satellite view, they show the progress of the construction of the service roads between TX-161 to South Belt Line road. https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7597224,-97.018751,236m/data=!3m1!1e3
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on May 20, 2021, 05:18:09 PM
Part of the "Lowest Stemmons" project is about to open to traffic this weekend.  For those used to the longtime exit to the Dallas N. Tollway from NB I-35E, the offramp there is going away in favor of a new one further south by the Woodall Rodgers interchange and Continental exit.  This complicates things for drivers WB on Woodall Rodgers that want to exit to NB I-35E and head for the Tollway ramp.  Those folks will have to go on north to the Oak Lawn exit, then turn right, then back left at the next signal.  That will get them onto the Tollway.

Oh what fun.

https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/city-life/05-19-21-tollway-new-ramp/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bassoon1986 on May 20, 2021, 11:46:31 PM
MaxConcrete do you or anyone know if there are still plans to extend George Bush Turnpike south from I-30 to I-20 in the Forney area?


iPhone
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: TXtoNJ on May 21, 2021, 08:35:59 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on March 19, 2021, 08:15:04 PM
SH 170 freeway lanes under construction I-35W to US 377. I had no idea this was in progress. The last time i was down there, which was not too long ago, there was no trace of construction. I found about it on Facebook.

Anyway, the pics show the the SH 170 freeway lanes are under construction. It boggles my mind that they would do the SH 170 freeway lanes before the SH 114 freeway lanes. The US 377/SH 114 intersection is severely congested, while SH 170 appears to have no congestion issues.

Facebook Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1442313999289252 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1442313999289252)

Bet you a bottle of Coke that FedEx, UPS, and Amazon have something to do with 170 being prioritized there.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on May 21, 2021, 11:02:26 AM
Quote from: TXtoNJ on May 21, 2021, 08:35:59 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on March 19, 2021, 08:15:04 PM
SH 170 freeway lanes under construction I-35W to US 377. I had no idea this was in progress. The last time i was down there, which was not too long ago, there was no trace of construction. I found about it on Facebook.

Anyway, the pics show the the SH 170 freeway lanes are under construction. It boggles my mind that they would do the SH 170 freeway lanes before the SH 114 freeway lanes. The US 377/SH 114 intersection is severely congested, while SH 170 appears to have no congestion issues.

Facebook Link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/1442313999289252 (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1442313999289252)

Bet you a bottle of Coke that FedEx, UPS, and Amazon have something to do with 170 being prioritized there.

Sort of... Alliance is the point they are doing it for. For Tarrant County, maximizing access to and from Alliance is clearly their top priority outside of downtown Fort Worth.

Yes, the major shippers make Alliance including the Airport a key to developing Tarrant County.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on May 21, 2021, 11:30:10 AM
Quote from: -- US 175 -- on May 20, 2021, 05:18:09 PM
Part of the "Lowest Stemmons" project is about to open to traffic this weekend.  For those used to the longtime exit to the Dallas N. Tollway from NB I-35E, the offramp there is going away in favor of a new one further south by the Woodall Rodgers interchange and Continental exit.  This complicates things for drivers WB on Woodall Rodgers that want to exit to NB I-35E and head for the Tollway ramp.  Those folks will have to go on north to the Oak Lawn exit, then turn right, then back left at the next signal.  That will get them onto the Tollway.

Oh what fun.

https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/city-life/05-19-21-tollway-new-ramp/

You are right that Woodall Rogers to DNT is kind of a bad deal, but I-45 traffic can take  I-30 to I-35E and then get on the northbound DNT. From US-75 (and maybe I-45) it is probably as good or better to take US-75 to I-635 then take DNT to northwest Plano or Frisco.
The only people it will really affect are the ones who work in mid-town and want to take DNT. They probably would be better served taking Harry Hines Blvd to DNT anyway. Downtown could use Commerce to I-35E.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on May 28, 2021, 01:51:40 PM
Quote from: -- US 175 -- on May 20, 2021, 05:18:09 PM
Part of the "Lowest Stemmons" project is about to open to traffic this weekend.  For those used to the longtime exit to the Dallas N. Tollway from NB I-35E, the offramp there is going away in favor of a new one further south by the Woodall Rodgers interchange and Continental exit.  This complicates things for drivers WB on Woodall Rodgers that want to exit to NB I-35E and head for the Tollway ramp.  Those folks will have to go on north to the Oak Lawn exit, then turn right, then back left at the next signal.  That will get them onto the Tollway.

Oh what fun.

https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/city-life/05-19-21-tollway-new-ramp/

Another phase of the fun begins this weekend, with the relocation of the SB I-35E ramp to Woodall Rodgers Freeway.  This replacement will be further north, in the vicinity of Hi Line Drive and south of Oak Lawn.

https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/city-life/05-27-21-woodall-rogers-tollway-southbound-exit-ramp/
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on May 28, 2021, 02:41:16 PM
Any pictures of the area? Curious how they tied in the new ramp into the present one while keeping it operational.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on June 07, 2021, 02:02:21 PM
Quote from: bwana39
I manage to mess up I-20 EB at I-635 in southeast Dallas because you execute to the left to take a right turn.  For some years, I-20 turned off of LBJ Freeway(**)  to the right. At some point, they completely rebuilt the intersection to eliminate the I-20 exit and create an exit to the right for I-635.  Now, it is counterintuitive to me and I wind up going on to US-80 freeway to make the turn to the east.  That said, we no longer turn off to stay on....

** Originally LBJ Freeway was signed as IH-635 from I-35 to I-35. To the north, I-635 (LBJ) has since extended to SH-121 north of DFW Airport. I-20 was rerouted around the south of Dallas along LBJ and I-635 was truncated at I-20.

That might get fixed in the future.  The TxDOT Project Tracker list shows a redo of the US 175/I-20 interchange that has a listed cost projection of $200,000,000.  IMO, the only reason for multi-million-dollar work there would be for new separate ramps for each direction of I-20 from US 175, as well as one solely to connect to I-635.  This would alleviate much of the weaving and choosing that occurs there now.  I'm not sure how much this redo would do for those like bwana39 who feel that the I-20 exit to I-635 is now more difficult and less intuitive than it was originally.  I don't remember if the proposed project has a timeline yet.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on June 26, 2021, 06:01:13 PM
Here are some project updates as of last weekend

US 175 SM Wright freeway removal: overpasses and embankment are removed at Heggins Street and Pine Street. Overpasses at Metropolitan and Pennsylvania are still intact and in use. Northbound traffic can enter the freeway main lanes north of Pine Street. Southbound traffic must exit at the Metropolitan exit, and the freeway to the south is closed (but remains intact to north of Pine).
Photos: http://dfwfreeways.com/us175/construction-removal (http://dfwfreeways.com/us175/construction-removal)

DFW Connector: all work appears to be complete. This includes the new ramps to IH-635 and the new northbound collector to FM 2499.

Collin County Outer loop. The frontage road (south side, future eastbound road) from DNT to Preston is open to traffic. The full 500-foot-wide corridor is clearly visible in this area since utilities are relocated on the corridor edges.

DNT main lanes at US 380: the bridge for the new main lanes is around 80% complete

SH 121 Rayburn Turnpike new lanes Coppell to McKinney: Work is proceeding well from Coppell to the DNT. I don't know about east of DNT since I didn't go there.

SH 183/Loop 12 interchange: Work is progressing quickly on the east side of the project, especially on the connections to SH 482.
The last 5 photos in this set (starting with the signpost including SH 482) are new photos: http://dfwfreeways.com/sh183/construction (http://dfwfreeways.com/sh183/construction)

SH 114 signature bridge: The bridge looks like it is complete, but it is still not open to traffic or pedestrians. Photo: http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/sh114/roadside/20210619-21_165-1200.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/sh114/roadside/20210619-21_165-1200.jpg)

LBJ East: Work is progressing faster than I expected for the new interchange at IH-30. The official project site has monthly aerial photos https://635east.com/ (https://635east.com/) that show the main lanes well
Photos at IH-30 interchange: http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/construction-lbj-east (http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/construction-lbj-east)

IH-35E Carrollton (IH-635 to Bush Turnpike): right-of-way clearance is nearly complete. The only two large structures remaining are an office building at address 13515 and a smaller building at 14005. The large U-Haul facility and everything around it is cleared. The estimated $700 million design-build job is expected to be awarded within a few months.

IH-30 Margaret McDermott bridge pedestrian facility: It is open and is very nice. But it was totally deserted during my long visit. (I was the only person there for around an hour on a Saturday!)
Photos: http://dfwfreeways.com/i30-dallas/roadside-pedestrian-bridge (http://dfwfreeways.com/i30-dallas/roadside-pedestrian-bridge)

IH-35E downtown Collector-Distributors: Both directions are open but not fully complete. They already seem to have a huge benefit to IH-35E through traffic. Going southbound on IH-35E I was expecting the usual backup starting around Oak Lawn. But there was no backup. IH-35 was flowing freely because the back up to get onto Woodall Rodgers is now on the collector-distributor.
Two new photos at the end of this photo set: http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-north/construction-downtown-collector (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-north/construction-downtown-collector)

IH-35E Southern Gateway project: Work is progressing quickly. New pavement is in use in many areas. The new pavement is very smooth. The official web site has regularly updated aerial photos.

IH-30/SH 360 Interchange Arlington: work continues to proceed at a glacial pace. There was only a small amount of progress since my last visit 10 months ago.
Four new photos at the end of this photo set: http://dfwfreeways.com/i30-landry/construction-360 (http://dfwfreeways.com/i30-landry/construction-360)

IH-820 northeast Fort Worth: Work is proceeding well on the south side of the project, from West Hurst to Randol Mill. Nearly all the piers for the long elevated connection ramps around Trinity Blvd are built, and some beams and bridge deck are done. North of Hurst road there is minimal progress.

SH 170 main lanes: Work is proceeding the fastest at IH-35W, where the new direct connection ramps have most of the piers in place. Work on the main lanes is just getting underway in most places with some earthwork.

SH 199 Lake Worth bridge: Work is proceeding well, with piers in place on both sides on land. Work is just getting started for the actual bridge, with a construction barge in position. Eastbound traffic near IH-820 was backed up on Sunday around noon, so I'm thinking the main lane connections to IH-820 need to be done in the near future.

US 380 Denton County: I drove on the section from 1385 to 720. This section is under study as a candidate for freeway upgrade, and there is a lengthy meeting report on the study web site. There is more commercial development in this section than I realized. It will be very costly to upgrade this section to a freeway. However, it will be politically feasible since nearly all the properties are lower-tier commercial properties like strip centers and convenience stores (as opposed to residential areas, which can't be cleared). There is not yet a recommendation for the alignment. It looks like most comments support the blue (existing 380) alignment, but the summary report does not have any statistics of the survey.
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/us-highways/us-380-denton-county-feasibility-study (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/us-highways/us-380-denton-county-feasibility-study)





Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on June 26, 2021, 06:44:32 PM
Sounds like the only project you didn't mention is the Southeast Connector (I-20/I-820/US 287) in Fort Worth, but it's early in the process.

Amazing how *still* far behind I-30/TX 360 is.

More amazing how short-sighted planning has been for US 380.  TPTB spent way too long on their chicken/egg dilemma when they should have actually done something constructive yeeears ago.

I guess TX 114 (Rhome to Roanoke) should have been taken seriously much sooner, as well.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on June 26, 2021, 06:58:43 PM
Quote from: -- US 175 -- on June 26, 2021, 06:44:32 PM
Sounds like the only project you didn't mention is the Southeast Connector (I-20/I-820/US 287) in Fort Worth, but it's early in the process.

Amazing how *still* far behind I-30/TX 360 is.

More amazing how short-sighted planning has been for US 380.  TPTB spent way too long on their chicken/egg dilemma when they should have actually done something constructive yeeears ago.

The Southeast connector is still in the right-of-way acquisition phase, and there is only a small amount of ROW needed. The project is listed for September 2021 bidding with an estimated cost of $1.684 billion.

While NCTCOG has mostly done excellent planning work in North Texas, they certainly dropped the ball on US 380. I think the growth was just too fast, with other projects regionwide needing attention first and when they could focus attention on 380 it was too late. But I think it will get done, hopefully on the blue alignment. It's just going to take more time and money.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on June 28, 2021, 02:21:53 AM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on June 26, 2021, 06:01:13 PM
Here are some project updates as of last weekend

US 175 SM Wright freeway removal: overpasses and embankment are removed at Heggins Street and Pine Street. Overpasses at Metropolitan and Pennsylvania are still intact and in use. Northbound traffic can enter the freeway main lanes north of Pine Street. Southbound traffic must exit at the Metropolitan exit, and the freeway to the south is closed (but remains intact to north of Pine).
Photos: http://dfwfreeways.com/us175/construction-removal (http://dfwfreeways.com/us175/construction-removal)

DFW Connector: all work appears to be complete. This includes the new ramps to IH-635 and the new northbound collector to FM 2499.

Collin County Outer loop. The frontage road (south side, future eastbound road) from DNT to Preston is open to traffic. The full 500-foot-wide corridor is clearly visible in this area since utilities are relocated on the corridor edges.

DNT main lanes at US 380: the bridge for the new main lanes is around 80% complete

SH 121 Rayburn Turnpike new lanes Coppell to McKinney: Work is proceeding well from Coppell to the DNT. I don't know about east of DNT since I didn't go there.

SH 183/Loop 12 interchange: Work is progressing quickly on the east side of the project, especially on the connections to SH 482.
The last 5 photos in this set (starting with the signpost including SH 482) are new photos: http://dfwfreeways.com/sh183/construction (http://dfwfreeways.com/sh183/construction)

SH 114 signature bridge: The bridge looks like it is complete, but it is still not open to traffic or pedestrians. Photo: http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/sh114/roadside/20210619-21_165-1200.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/sh114/roadside/20210619-21_165-1200.jpg)

LBJ East: Work is progressing faster than I expected for the new interchange at IH-30. The official project site has monthly aerial photos https://635east.com/ (https://635east.com/) that show the main lanes well
Photos at IH-30 interchange: http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/construction-lbj-east (http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/construction-lbj-east)

IH-35E Carrollton (IH-635 to Bush Turnpike): right-of-way clearance is nearly complete. The only two large structures remaining are an office building at address 13515 and a smaller building at 14005. The large U-Haul facility and everything around it is cleared. The estimated $700 million design-build job is expected to be awarded within a few months.

IH-30 Margaret McDermott bridge pedestrian facility: It is open and is very nice. But it was totally deserted during my long visit. (I was the only person there for around an hour on a Saturday!)
Photos: http://dfwfreeways.com/i30-dallas/roadside-pedestrian-bridge (http://dfwfreeways.com/i30-dallas/roadside-pedestrian-bridge)

IH-35E downtown Collector-Distributors: Both directions are open but not fully complete. They already seem to have a huge benefit to IH-35E through traffic. Going southbound on IH-35E I was expecting the usual backup starting around Oak Lawn. But there was no backup. IH-35 was flowing freely because the back up to get onto Woodall Rodgers is now on the collector-distributor.
Two new photos at the end of this photo set: http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-north/construction-downtown-collector (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-north/construction-downtown-collector)

IH-35E Southern Gateway project: Work is progressing quickly. New pavement is in use in many areas. The new pavement is very smooth. The official web site has regularly updated aerial photos.

IH-30/SH 360 Interchange Arlington: work continues to proceed at a glacial pace. There was only a small amount of progress since my last visit 10 months ago.
Four new photos at the end of this photo set: http://dfwfreeways.com/i30-landry/construction-360 (http://dfwfreeways.com/i30-landry/construction-360)

IH-820 northeast Fort Worth: Work is proceeding well on the south side of the project, from West Hurst to Randol Mill. Nearly all the piers for the long elevated connection ramps around Trinity Blvd are built, and some beams and bridge deck are done. North of Hurst road there is minimal progress.

SH 170 main lanes: Work is proceeding the fastest at IH-35W, where the new direct connection ramps have most of the piers in place. Work on the main lanes is just getting underway in most places with some earthwork.

SH 199 Lake Worth bridge: Work is proceeding well, with piers in place on both sides on land. Work is just getting started for the actual bridge, with a construction barge in position. Eastbound traffic near IH-820 was backed up on Sunday around noon, so I'm thinking the main lane connections to IH-820 need to be done in the near future.

US 380 Denton County: I drove on the section from 1385 to 720. This section is under study as a candidate for freeway upgrade, and there is a lengthy meeting report on the study web site. There is more commercial development in this section than I realized. It will be very costly to upgrade this section to a freeway. However, it will be politically feasible since nearly all the properties are lower-tier commercial properties like strip centers and convenience stores (as opposed to residential areas, which can't be cleared). There is not yet a recommendation for the alignment. It looks like most comments support the blue (existing 380) alignment, but the summary report does not have any statistics of the survey.
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/us-highways/us-380-denton-county-feasibility-study (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/us-highways/us-380-denton-county-feasibility-study)
The Loop 9 segment between I-35E and I-45 will be let next month. The Loop 9 segment between US 67 and I-35E had its public meeting a year and a half ago, so we'll see.

I need to walk back my progress report on the Collin County Outer Loop between Preston Road and Custer Road. The section immediately east of Preston is nearly ready to open, but apparently that portion of the project was expedited because of the imminent opening of a Collin College campus.The rest of that segment is barely in the "breaking ground" stage.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 01, 2021, 11:24:11 AM
Google Streetview showed some progress of the construction of service roads on I-30 at Grand Prairie on this shot taken in March 2021. https://goo.gl/maps/8X5eW5ioUrJELDDf7
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on July 10, 2021, 09:28:56 PM
FM 1171 extension from I-35W west to FM 156 at Justin: TxDOT is holding a virtual public meeting for the project. There will be a bridge over FM 156, the BNSF Ft Worth Sub, and the GE test track. Another bridge will be over Denton Creek. What is unusual is hat the project will contain both urban and rural sections. FM 1171 will meet FM 156 at John Wiley Rd on the south side of Justin

https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2021/07/05/txdot-to-hold-virtual-public-meeting-about-fm-1171-improvements/ (https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2021/07/05/txdot-to-hold-virtual-public-meeting-about-fm-1171-improvements/)
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/FM1171 (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/FM1171)

I-35E ROW clearance update in Lewisville. ROW cleared from Corporate north to Business 121, taking property mostly from auto dealerships. I did not check and further south. City Of Lewisville removed their water tower along I-35E from the water system, and will demolish it. They said this is because it reached the end of its life, and did not mention it being related to the I-35E project.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on July 11, 2021, 01:48:52 AM
Quote from: Brian556 on July 10, 2021, 09:28:56 PM
FM 1171 extension from I-35W west to FM 156 at Justin: TxDOT is holding a virtual public meeting for the project. There will be a bridge over FM 156, the BNSF Ft Worth Sub, and the GE test track. Another bridge will be over Denton Creek. What is unusual is hat the project will contain both urban and rural sections. FM 1171 will meet FM 156 at John Wiley Rd on the south side of Justin

https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2021/07/05/txdot-to-hold-virtual-public-meeting-about-fm-1171-improvements/ (https://www.crosstimbersgazette.com/2021/07/05/txdot-to-hold-virtual-public-meeting-about-fm-1171-improvements/)
http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/FM1171 (http://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/FM1171)

I-35E ROW clearance update in Lewisville. ROW cleared from Corporate north to Business 121, taking property mostly from auto dealerships. I did not check and further south. City Of Lewisville removed their water tower along I-35E from the water system, and will demolish it. They said this is because it reached the end of its life, and did not mention it being related to the I-35E project.
Too bad about the water tower. That's been a Lewisville landmark for forever.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on July 15, 2021, 10:31:03 PM
The construction plans for US 380 have been released, for the area from US 377 to Collin County.  Key changes are an increase from four lanes to six and converting the two-way left-turn lane to a median with crossovers.  Spot improvements include interchanges with overpasses at Oak Grove Lane, Navo Road, Gee Road, Championship Drive, and Legacy Drive, and some dual left turn lanes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on July 30, 2021, 10:34:40 PM
Part of the northbound collector-distibutor will open this weekend. It's not clear to me if this is the final segment to be opened, or if there is more work to be done on the project. Last month it looked like everything else was already open.

https://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2021/07/30/txdot-to-open-new-downtown-lane-and-ramp-to-northbound-i-35e-this-weekend/ (https://www.dallasnews.com/news/transportation/2021/07/30/txdot-to-open-new-downtown-lane-and-ramp-to-northbound-i-35e-this-weekend/)

Quote
The downtown Dallas traffic layout will look a little different starting this weekend.

The Texas Department of Transportation will fully open a new lane and ramp to northbound Interstate 35E over Hi Line Drive overnight Friday and into early Saturday.

The existing northbound entrance ramp to I-35E at Continental Avenue/Lamar Street will be permanently closed.

This work is part of the $79 million Lowest Stemmons project to improve traffic flow and mobility with the addition of new ramps adjacent to the existing highway – one of the most congested highway segments in the state.

The project is part of TxDOT's Texas Clear Lanes effort to relieve congestion in major metropolitan areas.

(https://dmn-dallas-news-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/YHn4Q13Ocgfw0v0-86sHsHXoXhM=/1660x934/smart/filters:no_upscale()/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/dmn/7KHP3KAJMNDBRAATE7ZTDUJQYM.jpg)
Photo in the article is from December.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on September 08, 2021, 12:30:03 AM
I-635/SH-121 connector construction is basically finished and had a virtual ribbon cutting:


https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/officials-host-virtual-ribbon-cutting-on-i-635-sh-121/53713
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on September 08, 2021, 09:00:55 PM
TxDOT reports that construction will begin soo to extend SH 114 freeway lanes over US 377 and UP Railroad in Roanoke
https://www.facebook.com/CityofRoanokeTX/photos/a.572656479421818/4664628593557899/ (https://www.facebook.com/CityofRoanokeTX/photos/a.572656479421818/4664628593557899/)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on September 08, 2021, 10:22:17 PM
Extending the TX-114 freeway past the US-377 intersection is very long overdue. Traffic jams up at that intersection almost any time of the day and even well into the night.

Really, the freeway needs to be extended past the I-35W intersection, beyond Texas Motor Speedway and to the West of the Northwest ISD school complex. Optimally, the freeway would go clear to the TX-114 junction with US-287 in Rhome. So much residential and business development is taking place along TX-114 in that area that it will soon be impossible to upgrade TX-114 to a freeway in that area.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on September 09, 2021, 12:35:58 PM
I've been working on ROW acquisition on 35E and the regional planning COG just contracted to get regional aerials done every few months. So I figured I'd share the August ones if anyone is interested.

DNT @ 380
(https://i.imgur.com/4Mlh8ub.png)

Outer Loop
(https://i.imgur.com/AHvyQmH.png)

SM Wright Relocation
(https://i.imgur.com/3VVGSsa.png)

Stadium Int.
(https://i.imgur.com/5XpbWXW.png)

170 @ 35W
(https://i.imgur.com/eoKLNLu.png)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on September 12, 2021, 12:34:14 PM
DNT over 380 is long overdue and will be a gamechanger for northwestern Collin County.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on September 29, 2021, 01:23:07 PM
I posted some photos I took this past weekend.

IH-35E Southern Gateway. Work is proceeding well and the final configuration (but not all traffic lanes) is now visible along most of the corridor.
http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-south/driving-20210925 (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-south/driving-20210925)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-south%2Fdriving%2F20210925-26_DFW_026-1300.jpg&hash=2eba6c6d12e3e0da32bc6db2edeb2c8b4730222b)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-south%2Fdriving%2F20210925-26_DFW_038-1300.jpg&hash=4e2f044ad1dd8a7ed2576fb17b16f3ec3f8f91f7)

In the view below, beams for the deck for the park above the freeway are in place on the right side.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-south%2Fdriving%2F20210925-26_DFW_040-1300.jpg&hash=95e4e88fdd3254d3fc1af8ad0e69644556d50626)

The deck for the park is underway
http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-south/construction-park (http://dfwfreeways.com/i35e-south/construction-park)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi35e-south%2Fconstruction%2F20210925-26_DFW_057-1200.jpg&hash=c889d620be93836ce80f72d897f9233fef833d93)

Work on the interchange and 635 and 30 is moving quickly
http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/construction-lbj-east (http://dfwfreeways.com/i635/construction-lbj-east)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi635%2Fconstruction%2F20210925-26_DFW_084-1100.jpg&hash=3cab538b7e3a1c843bc7fccbb730a1b1f22ec430)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi635%2Fconstruction%2F20210925-26_DFW_100-1100.jpg&hash=5307a2f0996ba52b8a53f1335c2d9c40b31551db)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi635%2Fconstruction%2F20210925-26_DFW_087-1100.jpg&hash=9652dbfe262f70b60773c1f65f358c4264dbafb9)

Work on the SH 199 Lake Worth bridge is making good progress
http://dfwfreeways.com/sh199/construction-lake-worth-bridge (http://dfwfreeways.com/sh199/construction-lake-worth-bridge)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fsh199%2Fconstruction%2F20210925-26_DFW_201-1200.jpg&hash=09f8f0ae0d51af81ef42f277cfe32f8ee044c98a)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fsh199%2Fconstruction%2F20210925-26_DFW_196-1200.jpg&hash=4e68fdb8f144585561e38334a5ad0b64ecad9ece)



Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on September 29, 2021, 05:50:01 PM
I really gotta say the more I see and use the 2-2-2-2 setup in Texas the more I realize just how much of a waste of space that is. I mean Jesus either toll the whole damn thing or don't do it at all. What is the point of essentially building a toll road in the middle of a four lane highway?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on September 29, 2021, 06:47:38 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 29, 2021, 05:50:01 PM
I really gotta say the more I see and use the 2-2-2-2 setup in Texas the more I realize just how much of a waste of space that is. I mean Jesus either toll the whole damn thing or don’t do it at all. What is the point of essentially building a toll road in the middle of a four lane highway?

The extra lanes in a lot of these cases are funded by non-TXDOT funding.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on September 29, 2021, 07:41:26 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 29, 2021, 05:50:01 PM
I really gotta say the more I see and use the 2-2-2-2 setup in Texas the more I realize just how much of a waste of space that is. I mean Jesus either toll the whole damn thing or don't do it at all. What is the point of essentially building a toll road in the middle of a four lane highway?
I feel the same way when I see the *FREE* HOV lanes on 75 being underutilized while the other 4 lanes are bumper-to-bumper. Who's saving carbon again while idling in traffic?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on September 29, 2021, 07:48:13 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/AHvyQmH.png)
This image barely gets my property.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on September 29, 2021, 09:23:22 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on September 29, 2021, 07:41:26 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 29, 2021, 05:50:01 PM
I really gotta say the more I see and use the 2-2-2-2 setup in Texas the more I realize just how much of a waste of space that is. I mean Jesus either toll the whole damn thing or don't do it at all. What is the point of essentially building a toll road in the middle of a four lane highway?
I feel the same way when I see the *FREE* HOV lanes on 75 being underutilized while the other 4 lanes are bumper-to-bumper. Who's saving carbon again while idling in traffic?
Maybe they work well in certain areas but I seriously question the HOV lanes in LA and how well they actually help with anything. I get the point is encouraged carpooling but they usually don't flow much faster than the GP lanes if traffic is backed up and I really feel like they make traffic worse for the whole highway since the require merging across to the left side in order to use them. That no doubt slows other traffic down in the process.

If in fact the HOV lanes are flowing next to backed up traffic(which is rare) it isn't all that comforting to be moving 60+ MPH given how often people violate the merging laws. I do feel as if they work a bit better in OC as it seems more people use them for longer distance commuting than LA. Just my two cents on the HOV thing.

I know this cost would be astronomical but they need to give 75 the 635 treatment with 3 additional toll lanes on the lower level.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on September 29, 2021, 10:12:50 PM
I agree the 2-2-2-2 arrangements in certain parts of metro DFW is pretty silly wastes of space (and money). IMHO if a super highway is going to have 4 carriageways the outer "free" lanes ought to be at least 4 lanes in each direction. With only 2 or 3 free lanes in each direction it's really easy for traffic jams to happen at any time of day.

But maybe the lack of free lanes is a scam to attempt forcing people to use the toll lanes. A few months ago I drove through Fort Worth on I-35W during a weeknight. It was past the evening rush, around 8pm by the time I reached the US-287/I-35W split. But I wound up having to use the toll express lanes on I-35W anyway because the free lanes were jammed up North past the I-820 interchange. It was ridiculous. Oh, and the tolls are variable rate too -with multiple toll gates along the way.

I'm always quick to level with people here in Oklahoma who gripe about our turnpike tolls that we're getting a pretty serious bargain compared with tolls almost everywhere else.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on September 30, 2021, 10:22:01 AM
The Outer Loop is actually county funded, they bought all the ROW for it. So I'm not sure if the county is going to pay for the whole thing or if they'll contract it out to a toll provider. Once it hits Denton County it's planned but there isn't any ROW taken yet so I'm not sure if Denton County's even budgeted for it.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: I-35 on September 30, 2021, 10:52:52 AM
Quote from: austrini on September 30, 2021, 10:22:01 AM
The Outer Loop is actually county funded, they bought all the ROW for it. So I'm not sure if the county is going to pay for the whole thing or if they'll contract it out to a toll provider. Once it hits Denton County it's planned but there isn't any ROW taken yet so I'm not sure if Denton County's even budgeted for it.

Has there been any further talk about DNT extending into Grayson County?  It's been a few years since I've seen any updates on it.  As an aside, I still would like to put my two cents in about adding a DNT West spur to act as a reliever for 35.

(https://i.ibb.co/Wp2PNJB/dnt-ext.png)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on September 30, 2021, 11:58:32 AM
That spur would be epic. Winstar should sponsor it (seriously)  :spin:

The DNT to Grayson County is kind of interesting because that county isn't part of the NTTA's operating area and it's in a different district both for planning and the DOT. So I dont know if the NTTA would have to get special permission to run it or if it would become a TxDOT road at the county line or how that works. There isn't any ROW acquisition past Celina but it's in (two) long term plans.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on September 30, 2021, 02:21:25 PM
Quote from: I-35 on September 30, 2021, 10:52:52 AM
Quote from: austrini on September 30, 2021, 10:22:01 AM
The Outer Loop is actually county funded, they bought all the ROW for it. So I'm not sure if the county is going to pay for the whole thing or if they'll contract it out to a toll provider. Once it hits Denton County it's planned but there isn't any ROW taken yet so I'm not sure if Denton County's even budgeted for it.

Has there been any further talk about DNT extending into Grayson County?  It's been a few years since I've seen any updates on it.  As an aside, I still would like to put my two cents in about adding a DNT West spur to act as a reliever for 35.

(https://i.ibb.co/Wp2PNJB/dnt-ext.png)
Yeah this would be so amazing probably would be up as the best project Texas ever did for, me lol. I really hope they can at least make the west part of this happen. Oklahoma will definitely get on game as they have wet dreams about toll roads.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Scott5114 on September 30, 2021, 03:27:22 PM
Quote from: austrini on September 30, 2021, 11:58:32 AM
That spur would be epic. Winstar should sponsor it (seriously)  :spin:

The Chickasaw Nation does have their own DOT, but I have no knowledge of what roads it's built and maintains. I suspect they mostly do access roads to Chickasaw properties, like WinStar and the health center campuses.

Given my experience working for them, though, I'd be a little leery of crossing any bridge they built...

In any event, their usual modus operandi is to throw a few million at ODOT for any project that might involve one of their properties, so that they have a seat at the planning table. They contributed toward the I-35 widening near WinStar, the US-377 bridge (near their Megastar property), and also pledged money toward an interchange design that would build a direct ramp from I-35 to Riverwind in Goldsby (though this project came under scrutiny for that reason and may be redesigned).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on September 30, 2021, 04:17:35 PM
Quote from: austrini on September 30, 2021, 11:58:32 AM
That spur would be epic. Winstar should sponsor it (seriously)  :spin:

The DNT to Grayson County is kind of interesting because that county isn't part of the NTTA's operating area and it's in a different district both for planning and the DOT. So I dont know if the NTTA would have to get special permission to run it or if it would become a TxDOT road at the county line or how that works. There isn't any ROW acquisition past Celina but it's in (two) long term plans.

A regional tollway authority is authorized to extend one of its toll roads in a county which is a member of the authority into an adjacent county.  No special provision would need to be made.  The Chisholm Trail Parkway is partly in Johnson County, which is not a member of NTTA.  However, because Grayson County has established regional mobility authority, the toll road would be built by the RMA.  There are already plans for this extension.  If you look at the DNT improvements page, the map at the bottom shows the south end of the Grayson County Tollway.

https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/projprog/Pages/DNT-Improvements.aspx (https://www.ntta.org/roadsprojects/projprog/Pages/DNT-Improvements.aspx)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on September 30, 2021, 06:29:32 PM
Quote from: austriniThat spur would be epic. Winstar should sponsor it (seriously)

The WinStar Casino is just past the border near the North edge of the Red River. The route diagram drawn by I-35 runs a line from Whitesboro up to Ardmore which bypasses the WinStar Casino complex. I doubt interests in Ardmore or Thackerville would like that at all.

If a West spur of the DNT were to be built it would be better for it merge into I-35 while still in Texas. That would benefit the WinStar complex much more. As it stands, the US-82 corridor between Gainesville and Sherman needs serious updates, if not a 100% Interstate-quality overhaul. It might be enough for a DNT spur to Whitesboro to connect into where this freeway needs to be built.

The US-82 corridor from Henrietta to New Boston may become an important East-West regional bypass for the DFW metro. A lot of important work has already been done to this corridor; it's already a mix 4-lane divided highway, 4-lane freeway, limited access Super-2 as well as some 2-lane highway.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: I-35 on September 30, 2021, 10:05:08 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on September 30, 2021, 06:29:32 PM
Quote from: austriniThat spur would be epic. Winstar should sponsor it (seriously)

The WinStar Casino is just past the border near the North edge of the Red River. The route diagram drawn by I-35 runs a line from Whitesboro up to Ardmore which bypasses the WinStar Casino complex. I doubt interests in Ardmore or Thackerville would like that at all.

If a West spur of the DNT were to be built it would be better for it merge into I-35 while still in Texas. That would benefit the WinStar complex much more. As it stands, the US-82 corridor between Gainesville and Sherman needs serious updates, if not a 100% Interstate-quality overhaul. It might be enough for a DNT spur to Whitesboro to connect into where this freeway needs to be built.

The US-82 corridor from Henrietta to New Boston may become an important East-West regional bypass for the DFW metro. A lot of important work has already been done to this corridor; it's already a mix 4-lane divided highway, 4-lane freeway, limited access Super-2 as well as some 2-lane highway.

This was an older version; I've updated a graphic with my current line of thinking, which is similar to yours regarding proximity to Winstar.  My thought is to tie in an interchange near the upcoming bridge replacement over the BNSF rail line just north of Thackerville around MM8 on I-35.  The interchange with DNTw here would be a couple of flyover ramps, not unlike the TX-130 interchange north of Georgetown with IH-35.  DNTw would have a direct interchange with Winstar Boulevard only a mile or two east of the casino complex, which would open up developable land in the area (well, what isn't floodland, anyways).  DNTw would then cross the Red River and continue southeasterly towards Whitesboro, where it would turn more southward near Tioga and tie into the DNT mainlanes just north of Prosper.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on September 30, 2021, 11:33:24 PM
ODOT and flyovers, yeah right! Lol I jest a bit as they've been redesigning more and more interchanges with flyovers but only half of the interchange. Still I love this plan. From what I know the OTA is at its bond limit and has to pay some down. They have other pressing priorities like six laning I-44 between OKC and Tulsa and extending the Kickapoo turnpike.

I wonder if it would be possible for the Chickasaw to form their own toll road outside of the OTA and issue their own bonds. I don't see why the Oklahoma government would be able to stop them.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Scott5114 on October 01, 2021, 12:26:15 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on September 30, 2021, 11:33:24 PM
I wonder if it would be possible for the Chickasaw to form their own toll road outside of the OTA and issue their own bonds. I don't see why the Oklahoma government would be able to stop them.

I don't think it's necessarily that the Oklahoma government could/would stop them, but that the tribal government wouldn't initially have jurisdiction over non-Native landowners (that is, on parcels not already considered to be tribal land, either by virtue of being owned by the Chickasaw tribe or a citizen of a tribal nation) and thus couldn't enforce eminent domain in the way the state government can. I don't know how financially realistic the idea is, either. The Chickasaw typically operate at the millions level, not the tens-and-hundreds-of-millions levels state DOTs do. Their bonds would likely carry a much higher interest rate, meaning the toll would have to be pretty steep to service the bonds.

A tribal toll road would be interesting from a legal perspective. I am not sure whether tribes are subject to the EIS procedures that DOTs are. There would no doubt be a "by using this toll road you automatically consent to tribal jurisdiction" sign at the entrance, same as there is at a tribal casino. Law enforcement would be done by tribal police (Chickasaw Lighthorse Police in the case of the Chickasaw). I don't know whether state traffic code would apply or whether the tribal legislature would have to write their own traffic laws. Fines for traffic violations would most certainly go to the tribe rather than state or local governments, and if you try to appeal in court (or sue to stop construction of the toll road!) it would be done through the tribal court system. I don't think it would happen with the Chickasaw, but there are a couple tribes out there where that could easily turn into a New Rome scenario, as the state speed-trap law wouldn't apply to a tribal government.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: I-35 on October 01, 2021, 10:31:57 AM
Good points about who might operate it.  I sort of wonder if it couldn't be operated under an OTA cooperative agreement with NTTA, especially since it only extends ten miles into Oklahoma.  I suppose it could tie in north of Gainesville but south of the state line, but that is some pretty hilly terrain that would make it difficult to construct without coming very close to developed areas in Gainesville.  At least the interoperability issue has been settled with electronic tolling.

I'd like to point out another good thing about this west extension is that it would pick up some of the Ardmore/OKC - Sherman/Denison traffic flow with a diagonal bypass of Gainesville .  I don't have VPD figures on that, but it would cut a good 15-20 minutes off of the 70 mile trip between Ardmore and Sherman.  Generally speaking, what can't be purchased in Ardmore results in a trip to either Norman or Sherman for quite a few residents (as they are in the same DMA).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on October 02, 2021, 02:04:47 AM
Quote from: I-35 on October 01, 2021, 10:31:57 AM
Good points about who might operate it.  I sort of wonder if it couldn't be operated under an OTA cooperative agreement with NTTA, especially since it only extends ten miles into Oklahoma.  I suppose it could tie in north of Gainesville but south of the state line, but that is some pretty hilly terrain that would make it difficult to construct without coming very close to developed areas in Gainesville.  At least the interoperability issue has been settled with electronic tolling.

I'd like to point out another good thing about this west extension is that it would pick up some of the Ardmore/OKC - Sherman/Denison traffic flow with a diagonal bypass of Gainesville .  I don't have VPD figures on that, but it would cut a good 15-20 minutes off of the 70 mile trip between Ardmore and Sherman.  Generally speaking, what can't be purchased in Ardmore results in a trip to either Norman or Sherman for quite a few residents (as they are in the same DMA).

Denton is as close to Ardmore as Sherman. Most everything available in Sherman Denison is available in Gainesville.

I would also add the first DNT extension suggestion (that missed Thackerville) would travel nearby the Megastar which the Chickasaw also own.  Truly a better route than the let's get by WinStar.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: I-35 on October 02, 2021, 02:20:03 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on October 02, 2021, 02:04:47 AM
Quote from: I-35 on October 01, 2021, 10:31:57 AM
Good points about who might operate it.  I sort of wonder if it couldn't be operated under an OTA cooperative agreement with NTTA, especially since it only extends ten miles into Oklahoma.  I suppose it could tie in north of Gainesville but south of the state line, but that is some pretty hilly terrain that would make it difficult to construct without coming very close to developed areas in Gainesville.  At least the interoperability issue has been settled with electronic tolling.

I'd like to point out another good thing about this west extension is that it would pick up some of the Ardmore/OKC - Sherman/Denison traffic flow with a diagonal bypass of Gainesville .  I don't have VPD figures on that, but it would cut a good 15-20 minutes off of the 70 mile trip between Ardmore and Sherman.  Generally speaking, what can't be purchased in Ardmore results in a trip to either Norman or Sherman for quite a few residents (as they are in the same DMA).

Denton is as close to Ardmore as Sherman. Most everything available in Sherman Denison is available in Gainesville.

I would also add the first DNT extension suggestion (that missed Thackerville) would travel nearby the Megastar which the Chickasaw also own.  Truly a better route than the let's get by WinStar.

Gainesville's retail base is pretty small compared to Ardmore's - the only store of size in Gainesville that isn't also in Ardmore is Home Depot (Ardmore has a Lowe's).  You're right about Denton, though, a lot of their retail growth around Rayzor Ranch is more convenient from points north, including Ardmore.  Sherman has many stores that Ardmore and Gainesville don't have, including Sam's, Target, Belk, and a lot of casual dining options not available in those two cities.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on October 04, 2021, 12:23:36 AM
Quote from: I-35 on October 02, 2021, 02:20:03 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on October 02, 2021, 02:04:47 AM
Quote from: I-35 on October 01, 2021, 10:31:57 AM
Good points about who might operate it.  I sort of wonder if it couldn't be operated under an OTA cooperative agreement with NTTA, especially since it only extends ten miles into Oklahoma.  I suppose it could tie in north of Gainesville but south of the state line, but that is some pretty hilly terrain that would make it difficult to construct without coming very close to developed areas in Gainesville.  At least the interoperability issue has been settled with electronic tolling.

I'd like to point out another good thing about this west extension is that it would pick up some of the Ardmore/OKC - Sherman/Denison traffic flow with a diagonal bypass of Gainesville .  I don't have VPD figures on that, but it would cut a good 15-20 minutes off of the 70 mile trip between Ardmore and Sherman.  Generally speaking, what can't be purchased in Ardmore results in a trip to either Norman or Sherman for quite a few residents (as they are in the same DMA).

Denton is as close to Ardmore as Sherman. Most everything available in Sherman Denison is available in Gainesville.

I would also add the first DNT extension suggestion (that missed Thackerville) would travel nearby the Megastar which the Chickasaw also own.  Truly a better route than the let's get by WinStar.

Gainesville's retail base is pretty small compared to Ardmore's - the only store of size in Gainesville that isn't also in Ardmore is Home Depot (Ardmore has a Lowe's).  You're right about Denton, though, a lot of their retail growth around Rayzor Ranch is more convenient from points north, including Ardmore.  Sherman has many stores that Ardmore and Gainesville don't have, including Sam's, Target, Belk, and a lot of casual dining options not available in those two cities.

We lived in the country and McKinney and Sherman were about the same distance. Sherman Denison didn't really impress me much more than Paris or maybe even Greenville.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: I-35 on October 04, 2021, 09:47:48 AM
Quote from: bwana39 on October 04, 2021, 12:23:36 AM
Quote from: I-35 on October 02, 2021, 02:20:03 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on October 02, 2021, 02:04:47 AM
Quote from: I-35 on October 01, 2021, 10:31:57 AM
Good points about who might operate it.  I sort of wonder if it couldn't be operated under an OTA cooperative agreement with NTTA, especially since it only extends ten miles into Oklahoma.  I suppose it could tie in north of Gainesville but south of the state line, but that is some pretty hilly terrain that would make it difficult to construct without coming very close to developed areas in Gainesville.  At least the interoperability issue has been settled with electronic tolling.

I'd like to point out another good thing about this west extension is that it would pick up some of the Ardmore/OKC - Sherman/Denison traffic flow with a diagonal bypass of Gainesville .  I don't have VPD figures on that, but it would cut a good 15-20 minutes off of the 70 mile trip between Ardmore and Sherman.  Generally speaking, what can't be purchased in Ardmore results in a trip to either Norman or Sherman for quite a few residents (as they are in the same DMA).

Denton is as close to Ardmore as Sherman. Most everything available in Sherman Denison is available in Gainesville.

I would also add the first DNT extension suggestion (that missed Thackerville) would travel nearby the Megastar which the Chickasaw also own.  Truly a better route than the let's get by WinStar.

Gainesville's retail base is pretty small compared to Ardmore's - the only store of size in Gainesville that isn't also in Ardmore is Home Depot (Ardmore has a Lowe's).  You're right about Denton, though, a lot of their retail growth around Rayzor Ranch is more convenient from points north, including Ardmore.  Sherman has many stores that Ardmore and Gainesville don't have, including Sam's, Target, Belk, and a lot of casual dining options not available in those two cities.

We lived in the country and McKinney and Sherman were about the same distance. Sherman Denison didn't really impress me much more than Paris or maybe even Greenville.

McKinney's retail base is, by far, more impressive than anything north of it.  That wasn't the case in the 90s, though, when I was making those trips a lot.  Sherman (not so much Denison) usually has the only regional presence (Texoma being the region) of many of the national and regional level retailers and restaurants.  Ardmore is probably second, with Paris, Ada, Gainesville, and Durant filling out the list.  From Sherman, it's a no brainer to drive to McKinney, Allen, or Frisco for shopping, but if you're coming in from an hour plus away north of the Red River, most find what they need in Sherman rather than adding another hour onto their trip.  Of course, this may all be moot as regional growth pushes northward out of Dallas and the former small towns of southern Grayson County find themselves with 30 or 40 thousand residents.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on October 08, 2021, 09:59:26 PM
Quote from: txstateends on June 02, 2018, 05:49:31 PM
TxDOT wants to add service roads to I-30 over the part of Lake Ray Hubbard between Bass Pro Drive and Dalrock Road in order to ease congestion.  The project completion is set for 2023.

I was through there today. They are working on the it. Looks like they are going to build new EB frontage road, new EB main lanes, Use the existing EB mainlanes for the WB main lanes and the current WB mainlanes for the WB frontage. The only part is from Bass Pro to Dalrock. (or the Rockwall county line). Looks like it is not close to the 2023 finish that was originally forcasted.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on November 28, 2021, 03:48:24 PM
Good to see they're finally starting on the missing link connecting road from 170/I-35 to Avondale-Haslet road in Haslet.  On Thanskgiving evening I couldn't tell how far west of Harmon road has been graded, but there is no evidence of work yet on the west end, nothing at Blue Mound Rd or School House Rd.  Intermodal Parkway also looks to be extending south, I hope they don't just connect the two for now and keep that stupid Haslet choke point having to weave via Blue Mound.  Too much growth taking place in that area now.

Westpoint at I-35 intersection continues to be a 1-lane cluster.  Contractor should never have been allowed to have such an inadequate temp solution for this long.  Another TXDOT fail.

The new Bailey-Boswell bridge over Bus.287 and the railroad in Saginaw looks done.  City website update in October said a November opening date.  Maybe waiting on inspections?  Still cones, and the unnecessary lane restrictions westbound, not sure why the separate left turn lanes haven't been reopened.  If they still have to paint flowers on the side of the bridge or whatever, why do those lanes have to be closed the 16 hours a day that crews aren't working?  The backup during the week can be over 5 minutes to get through the intersections since they insist on permanently coning it off down to 1 lane.

Some shifts to the new lanes on parts of Blue Mound Rd south of 287.  Finally some glacial progress.  Though still have to rebuild and raise parts of the old road, so still a long 2-lane bottleneck, probably for another year or three.

Maybe it's time for the legislature to slap around TXDOT and cities/counties a bit (gimme a special session!) and require any construction project be completed within a certain time limit from the start of reducing road/intersection capacity.  Don't start a segment until you can finish it straight through. 

Ridiculous that a relatively straight forward project like Blue Mound Road is torn up for 3 or more years, with far more weekdays with no visible crews at work than actually working.  Coordination issues can cause inevitable delays, but come on.  A lot of this is budget based delays and too much leeway to contractors.  We can do better.

Maybe a local civilian review board for road projects is a good idea, like some locations use with police agencies.  More accountability is needed.

Maybe it's time to slap around the legislature for the foolish restrictions on toll projects.  Maybe require cities and counties to assess higher impact fees on the new business and housing developments that are overloading our underfunded road network.  Set a statewide base for fees so cities and counties can't underbid to fuel rapid growth while forcing the rest of the state to fund more of the resulting needed roads and upgrades. 

I mostly like Dan Patrick, but his flipping on toll financing to satisfy the nutty Q type grass roots was a terrible decision.  He used to be more reasonable about growth and financing it.  Believe it or not, before the great crash of 2008 he was talking about the need for commuter rail and transit in the major cities as inner city freeways would reach practical buildout in the 2025+ range.  But tax revenues projections were quite different then.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on December 29, 2021, 12:02:55 PM
A much needed project on the Lower Stemmons Freeway(I-35E) completed:

https://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/crews-complete-lowest-stemmons-corridor-job-in-dallas/54915
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on February 23, 2022, 05:18:34 PM
https://www.focusdailynews.com/public-meetings-for-loop-9-project-in-dallas-ellis-counties/

TxDOT is holding hearings for a pair of frontage roads between 35E and US67 that in the future will be part of Loop 9
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on March 26, 2022, 09:56:32 PM
Looks like the construction of the new service roads along I-30 between TX-161 and NW 7th Street is vell advanced from what I saw on this Streeview shot from Dec. 2021. https://goo.gl/maps/GeK3JGQ5MVr86MXWA
I guess they'll open soon.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: splashflash on March 27, 2022, 11:41:13 PM
DFW growth highest in the nation.  https://www.kens5.com/article/news/north-texas-sees-largest-growth-of-all-metro-areas-in-the-country-us-census-says-wfaa/287-560331ec-5f1c-4709-b5ef-7a5546fbd6cd

Lots of infrastructure needed.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on March 28, 2022, 12:41:17 AM
Quote from: splashflash on March 27, 2022, 11:41:13 PM
DFW growth highest in the nation.  https://www.kens5.com/article/news/north-texas-sees-largest-growth-of-all-metro-areas-in-the-country-us-census-says-wfaa/287-560331ec-5f1c-4709-b5ef-7a5546fbd6cd

Lots of infrastructure needed.
I live right in the eye of the storm. I happen to live in the fastest-growing city in the second-fastest growing county in the nation.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on March 29, 2022, 10:11:35 AM
Trying to imagine north of Dallas without PGBT and 121 Tollway............Shudder to think.

Flew into DFW from the Northeast and we followed the 121 into airport, just looking down and seeing solid houses from Sherman south......... Some of us remember when the city stopped just north of 635/75.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on March 29, 2022, 10:51:01 AM
Quote from: longhorn on March 29, 2022, 10:11:35 AM
Trying to imagine north of Dallas without PGBT and 121 Tollway............Shudder to think.

Flew into DFW from the Northeast and we followed the 121 into airport, just looking down and seeing solid houses from Sherman south......... Some of us remember when the city stopped just north of 635/75.
Pepperidge farms remembers
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 29, 2022, 11:05:58 AM
I still remember the 1990's when TX-121 from Lewisville up to McKinney was just a regular divided highway. The Colony was pretty much by itself on the East side of Lewisville Lake. Then everything started blowing up. Just in the last 20 years the amount of residential and commercial development growth on the North side of the Metroplex has been explosive. Just look at it overhead in Google Earth via the Historical Imagery slider. Amazing.

TX DOT really got caught asleep at the wheel with letting US-380 get overrun with development between Denton and McKinney. Now they're struggling badly to play catch-up. So much growth has taken place that US-380 really needs to be a super highway corridor from Decatur to Greenville. And US-82 farther North needs serious upgrades or at least ROW preservation.

Now the area North and Northwest of Fort Worth is starting to blow up with growth in some of the same manner as areas directly North of Dallas 20+ years ago. If TX DOT keeps farting around, dragging their feet on upgrades to US-287 they are going to be so screwed in the future. They MUST to serious work on that corridor from the I-35W split all the way up thru Decatur. Plus they need to do more work on TX-199 from I-820 up thru Azle. I can see them being forced to upgrade that to a freeway up to Springtown in the near future and maybe even as far as Jacksboro over the long term.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 29, 2022, 12:40:09 PM
^^^^ at the bare minimum purchase ROW. Why more agencies don't do this is beyond me. Even if you can't get the funds to build the physical pieces of the infrastructure buy the fucking land so we don't end up with a situation like what happened in Mustang. The land could have been purchased by the OTA for pennies on the dollar compared to what they built the Kilpatrick extension for.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on March 29, 2022, 03:37:02 PM
So many elected officials only want to do things that can get finished within their term of office so they can get the glory for it. Buying ROW to keep it preserved for a freeway that might be built 5, 10 or 20 years in the future doesn't make any sense to them. And then there's the elected officials who just want to be cheapskates in the short term. They can spend money just to keep some land cleared of development, even if it ends up saving the taxpayers a giant fortune later.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on March 29, 2022, 06:45:18 PM
Going through with eminent domain is a costly, fraught process. Doing it for a highway that may not be needed for 50 years or not needed at all just isn't worth it.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 29, 2022, 06:48:14 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on March 29, 2022, 03:37:02 PM
So many elected officials only want to do things that can get finished within their term of office so they can get the glory for it. Buying ROW to keep it preserved for a freeway that might be built 5, 10 or 20 years in the future doesn't make any sense to them. And then there's the elected officials who just want to be cheapskates in the short term. They can spend money just to keep some land cleared of development, even if it ends up saving the taxpayers a giant fortune later.
True and that is something that is wrong with politics today. But more power should be given to DOT's to take on this kind of stuff as opposed to elected officials leading the way.

Quote from: kernals12 on March 29, 2022, 06:45:18 PM
Going through with eminent domain is a costly, fraught process. Doing it for a highway that may not be needed for 50 years or not needed at all just isn't worth it.
True but if the land is undeveloped then it won't be as big of an issue. It sure seems worth it looking back today when we can't connect SH-4 to Kilpatrick without a major path to be cleared.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on March 29, 2022, 07:16:37 PM
TxDOT has issued a notice-to-proceed on the widening of I-35E from I-635 to the Denton County Line
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220329005961/en/

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 29, 2022, 08:59:30 PM
I had thought they were going to be adding a set of two new tolled lanes alongside the existing reversible ones in addition to adding a new GP lane each way. Was that not the case?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on March 29, 2022, 09:10:22 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on March 29, 2022, 08:59:30 PM
I had thought they were going to be adding a set of two new tolled lanes alongside the existing reversible ones in addition to adding a new GP lane each way. Was that not the case?
Nope. This project is part of the Clear Lanes initiative and as a result to the great backlash to toll roads, these expansion projects are going to be free to use.
That's clear from this fact sheet
https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/my35/north/projects/i35e-phase2/fact-sheet.pdf

Although, I think TxDOT put in those extremely wide shoulders for the toll lanes for a reason.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on March 29, 2022, 10:59:29 PM
The NIMBYs in Prosper are already mobilizing against Option B.

https://candysdirt.com/2022/03/29/rally-planned-in-prosper-to-review-potential-alignments-for-u-s-380-bypass-expansion/?fbclid=IwAR3ltmguEyFt-I-iWyRNIr8m0x_FDqBmJZjWD54KS0NVIaO4B6t6obU2vPA

(https://i0.wp.com/candysdirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Prosper.jpeg?resize=783%2C1024&ssl=1)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on April 05, 2022, 04:54:39 PM
TxDOT is studying improvements to i-20 from US 287 to South Parkway. They plan to hold public meetings in about a year.

https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/projects/studies/fort-worth/i20-arlington-grand-prairie-corridor.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on April 09, 2022, 08:48:02 PM
Anyone know when work on the Southeast Connector will start? I've read TxDOT has already reached a design-build agreement.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 10, 2022, 12:20:23 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on April 09, 2022, 08:48:02 PM
Anyone know when work on the Southeast Connector will start? I've read TxDOT has already reached a design-build agreement.
It always takes a long time for these design-build jobs to get up and running.

The selected contractor for IH-35E design-build job in North Dallas was announced in July 2021, and as of 2 weeks ago there was no evidence of construction starting.
https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29858.0 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29858.0)

There was long wait for work to start on the Oak Hill Y project in Austin .

So if the Southeast Connector is like the other jobs, we can expect to see work start in the fall.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on April 10, 2022, 11:19:43 AM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on April 10, 2022, 12:20:23 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on April 09, 2022, 08:48:02 PM
Anyone know when work on the Southeast Connector will start? I've read TxDOT has already reached a design-build agreement.
It always takes a long time for these design-build jobs to get up and running.

The selected contractor for IH-35E design-build job in North Dallas was announced in July 2021, and as of 2 weeks ago there was no evidence of construction starting.

https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29858.0 (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=29858.0)

There was long wait for work to start on the Oak Hill Y project in Austin .

So if the Southeast Connector is like the other jobs, we can expect to see work start in the fall.
Quote from: kernals12 on March 29, 2022, 07:16:37 PM
TxDOT has issued a notice-to-proceed on the widening of I-35E from I-635 to the Denton County Line
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220329005961/en/




Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: In_Correct on April 11, 2022, 03:36:30 AM

I Hate: "Accept All Cookies.".:

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220329005961/en/

https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20220329005961/en/1404587/5/I35E_Phase2_Logo.jpg?download=1

https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20220329005961/en/1404587/5/I35E_Phase2_Logo.jpg

https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20220329005961/en/759925/5/FLR-full.jpg?download=1

https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20220329005961/en/759925/5/FLR-full.jpg

Quote


Fluor Joint Venture Receives Final Notice-to-Proceed on Interstate 35E Phase 2 Project in Dallas

(https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20220329005961/en/1404587/5/I35E_Phase2_Logo.jpg)

(https://mms.businesswire.com/media/20220329005961/en/759925/5/FLR-full.jpg)

March 29, 2022 04:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time
IRVING, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) announced today that Lone Star Constructors, its joint venture with Austin Bridge & Road, has been granted final notice-to-proceed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) that releases the full contract value and positions the venture for construction to begin on Phase 2 in summer of 2022 for the Interstate 35E (I-35E) project from Interstate 635 in Dallas to the Denton County line in Carrollton, Texas. The Fluor-led team was initially awarded the contract for this project in July 2021. Fluor booked its share of the approximately $640 million contract value in the third quarter of 2021.

"When completed, this project will help alleviate traffic congestion to the surrounding communities and improve connectivity for all people in the Dallas metroplex."

Tweet this

"This project is part of TxDOT's long-term plan to meet current and future travel demands by improving overall mobility, operational efficiency, accessibility, safety and emergency response,"  said Thomas Nilsson, president of Fluor's Infrastructure business. "When completed, this project will help alleviate traffic congestion to the surrounding communities and improve connectivity for all people in the Dallas metroplex."

The 6.3-mile design-build project includes full reconstruction and expansion of six existing lanes to eight with new auxiliary lanes at entrance and exit ramps, along with the reconstruction of frontage roads along the corridor. Two existing reversible toll lanes will also be reconstructed.

The project's anticipated completion is early 2026.

About Fluor Corporation
Fluor Corporation (NYSE: FLR) is building a better future by applying world-class expertise to solve its clients' greatest challenges. Fluor's 41,000 employees provide professional and technical solutions that deliver safe, well-executed, capital-efficient projects to clients around the world. Fluor had revenue of $12.4 billion in 2021 and is ranked 196 among the Fortune 500 companies. With headquarters in Irving, Texas, Fluor has provided engineering, procurement and construction services for more than 100 years. For more information, please visit www.fluor.com or follow Fluor on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.

#infra

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Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on April 11, 2022, 02:38:54 PM
Especially for design-build contracts, issuance of notice to proceed does not mean construction activity is imminently about to begin.  Sometimes this is even true for design-bid-build contracts.  It often depends partly on how much flexibility the contractor has under any prosecution-and-progress clauses that apply to the contract.

Design-build projects in the US proceed on the basis that, for any increment of work, design precedes construction.  The streamlining comes from the ability to divide the work into packages (often on the basis of functional discipline) such that construction on earlier ones (such as grading) can occur concurrently with design on later ones (such as signing, marking, illumination, etc.).  As a general rule, a set of finished design plans for a given package must be released for construction (RFC) before any actual construction activity directed by those plans can begin.  The finished set of plans for a design-build project is thus typically an assembly of all the RFC plans with post-construction revisions.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on April 11, 2022, 03:16:52 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 11, 2022, 02:38:54 PM
Especially for design-build contracts, issuance of notice to proceed does not mean construction activity is imminently about to begin.  Sometimes this is even true for design-bid-build contracts.  It often depends partly on how much flexibility the contractor has under any prosecution-and-progress clauses that apply to the contract.

Design-build projects in the US proceed on the basis that, for any increment of work, design precedes construction.  The streamlining comes from the ability to divide the work into packages (often on the basis of functional discipline) such that construction on earlier ones (such as grading) can occur concurrently with design on later ones (such as signing, marking, illumination, etc.).  As a general rule, a set of finished design plans for a given package must be released for construction (RFC) before any actual construction activity directed by those plans can begin.  The finished set of plans for a design-build project is thus typically an assembly of all the RFC plans with post-construction revisions.
Okay. Thanks for explaining
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on April 12, 2022, 01:48:36 PM
It wouldn't surprise me to see contractors dragging their feet to get started for quite some time -as a strategy to wait out ridiculously high materials and fuel prices in hopes they may fall in the months or next couple years ahead. We're in quite a cost bubble right now. Delaying a bit could make a big difference to the profit line.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 03, 2022, 08:22:13 PM


Public meeting on the planned improvements to loop 12 between SH 183 and Spur 408. Improvements will add 2 reversible express lanes and frontage roads will be made 3 lanes wide and continuous.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on May 03, 2022, 09:44:16 PM
They need to turn that funky ass interchange at I-30 to a directional stack.

But it doesn't look like any GP lanes are being added just a two lane reversible express lane setup.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on May 04, 2022, 12:15:27 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 03, 2022, 09:44:16 PM
They need to turn that funky ass interchange at I-30 to a directional stack.

The last DFW Turnpike-era interchange left on I-30 (after the TX 360 one *finally* gets finished).  It does need to go, but one of the issues with it will be the UP RR line that goes diagonally through it.  If it ever does get redone, it will likely be a completely separate project.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on May 05, 2022, 09:56:59 PM
Speaking of I-30/former DFW Turnpike, GSV posted an updated view of Carrier Pkwy overpass and I-30 new service roads from March 2022.
https://goo.gl/maps/gHhDVyhi8b4oUXX49
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 07, 2022, 06:33:14 PM
I've clinched several DFW-area freeways today:

SH 183 from International Parkway to I-820, SH 121, all of I-30 between Fort Worth and Dallas, I-345, SH 366, and I-35E from 366 to the LBJ freeway.

Freeways in Texas are nothing like those in Massachusetts.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on May 07, 2022, 11:03:08 PM

OK so I need someone to clarify what CLINCH means on this forum.  I had thought to CLINCH a road you had to drive the entirety. Help me out.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Rothman on May 07, 2022, 11:07:28 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on May 07, 2022, 11:03:08 PM

OK so I need someone to clarify what CLINCH means on this forum.  I had thought to CLINCH a road you had to drive the entirety. Help me out.
It's rare to clinch an entire long route in one trip, so it's possible to clinch segments and record them in Travel Mapping and the like.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on May 08, 2022, 10:03:20 PM
Quote from: Rothman on May 07, 2022, 11:07:28 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on May 07, 2022, 11:03:08 PM

OK so I need someone to clarify what CLINCH means on this forum.  I had thought to CLINCH a road you had to drive the entirety. Help me out.
It's rare to clinch an entire long route in one trip, so it's possible to clinch segments and record them in Travel Mapping and the like.

So it might be more correct to say that sections were clinched. Personally, I would have left 35E off the clinched list because that section isn't 10 miles of over 100+ miles in the DFW area.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 08, 2022, 10:17:25 PM
Okay, now I actually have clinched all of SH 183.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on May 09, 2022, 12:03:18 AM
Quote from: -- US 175 -- on May 04, 2022, 12:15:27 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 03, 2022, 09:44:16 PM
They need to turn that funky ass interchange at I-30 to a directional stack.

The last DFW Turnpike-era interchange left on I-30 (after the TX 360 one *finally* gets finished).  It does need to go, but one of the issues with it will be the UP RR line that goes diagonally through it.  If it ever does get redone, it will likely be a completely separate project.

highly unlikely as TXDOT rebuilt the interchange once already with new bridges over loop 12 and a new bridge going over 30 connecting to loop 12 done during the mid 2000's I believe.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 09, 2022, 12:58:26 AM
I noticed some ghost ramps on the I-35 E express lanes just before the merge with Loop 12. Anyone know what those are for?
https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8651055,-96.8951106,3a,60y,327.7h,92.08t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1suY1UMErL05a_bkX-CAU2cQ!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 09, 2022, 06:24:43 PM
I just clinched the Dallas Phallus. I also got stuck in a horrible traffic jam resulting from construction on I-35W in North Tarrant County near the future SH114 Gateway Freeway. 3 times traffic came to literal standstill for several minutes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 09, 2022, 11:49:40 PM
Dallas drivers don't seem to understand that the flashing orange lights on cars are meant to indicate that person's intentions to change lanes. I actually thought my cars' blinkers were broken at first.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on May 10, 2022, 12:38:31 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 09, 2022, 11:49:40 PM
Dallas drivers don't seem to understand that the flashing orange lights on cars are meant to indicate that person's intentions to change lanes. I actually thought my cars' blinkers were broken at first.
Just because you activate your turn indicators does not mean people are obligated to give you space to merge. Some just do out of common courtesy. Don't you live in Boston? Are drivers more courteous in Boston?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 10, 2022, 09:43:09 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 10, 2022, 12:38:31 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 09, 2022, 11:49:40 PM
Dallas drivers don't seem to understand that the flashing orange lights on cars are meant to indicate that person's intentions to change lanes. I actually thought my cars' blinkers were broken at first.
Just because you activate your turn indicators does not mean people are obligated to give you space to merge. Some just do out of common courtesy. Don't you live in Boston? Are drivers more courteous in Boston?

Yes they are. I've never had a problem with drivers in Boston not giving me space to get into the exit lane.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wtd67 on May 10, 2022, 11:19:22 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 10, 2022, 09:43:09 AM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on May 10, 2022, 12:38:31 AM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 09, 2022, 11:49:40 PM
Dallas drivers don't seem to understand that the flashing orange lights on cars are meant to indicate that person's intentions to change lanes. I actually thought my cars' blinkers were broken at first.

Just because you activate your turn indicators does not mean people are obligated to give you space to merge. Some just do out of common courtesy. Don't you live in Boston? Are drivers more courteous in Boston?

Yes they are. I've never had a problem with drivers in Boston not giving me space to get into the exit lane.

There are two ways of using the blinker in traffic; to ask for permission to change lanes or tell them you are changing lanes.  You asked for permission and they said no.  Next time use your blinker and go, that is telling them you are coming over.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 10, 2022, 07:35:40 PM
Okay, I chickened out of going to US 380 public meeting in Frisco. My rental car has an Illinois plate and I'm a grown man traveling alone, which is not a good look if you're around a school building
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kphoger on May 10, 2022, 08:58:50 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 10, 2022, 07:35:40 PM
Okay, I chickened out of going to US 380 public meeting in Frisco. My rental car has an Illinois plate and I'm a grown man traveling alone, which is not a good look if you're around a school building

wut
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Rothman on May 10, 2022, 10:07:40 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on May 10, 2022, 07:35:40 PM
Okay, I chickened out of going to US 380 public meeting in Frisco. My rental car has an Illinois plate and I'm a grown man traveling alone, which is not a good look if you're around a school building
So...you're a registered sex offender.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on May 25, 2022, 02:17:50 PM
Upcoming public meeting for improvements to US 287 between I-35W and Avondale Haslett Road.
https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/news/2022/5/txdot-avondale-haslet
This seems to just be TxDOT's standard highway improvement package:
A new general purpose lane in each direction and continuous 1 way frontage roads

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on May 25, 2022, 03:52:17 PM
I'm glad they're proposing to re-build the main lanes and expand them from 2 to 3 lanes in both directions. The existing US-287 main lanes on past the I-35W split are looking pretty bad. Hopefully while they're working on this project between I-35W and Avondale-Haslet Road TX DOT will get the plans together for upgrading the rest of that segment up to the TX-114 split at Rhome. Then the Rhome-Decatur segment will be able to gain focus.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on May 27, 2022, 05:29:59 PM
I hope the removal of the driveways is included in this improvement.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on May 29, 2022, 11:04:39 AM
I'm pretty sure driveway removal is included. The missing segments of frontage roads are supposed to be fully completed which will effectively remove the driveway access to the US-287 main lanes. TX DOT really needs to get the frontage roads 100% fully built out between the I-35W split and the TX-114 split at Rhome. That upgrade work should have been done over 20 years ago. I don't understand the foot-dragging on it.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: austrini on June 22, 2022, 04:44:21 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on May 29, 2022, 11:04:39 AM
I'm pretty sure driveway removal is included. The missing segments of frontage roads are supposed to be fully completed which will effectively remove the driveway access to the US-287 main lanes. TX DOT really needs to get the frontage roads 100% fully built out between the I-35W split and the TX-114 split at Rhome. That upgrade work should have been done over 20 years ago. I don't understand the foot-dragging on it.

I was at a meeting at NCTCOG about it in like 2015 (I think? maybe earlier) and it wasn't a big deal, there was no reason to remove the driveways. The road wasn't more or less dangerous or busy because of them at the time. The city wanted frontage roads to spur SFR and eventually started approving subdivisions with cut-ins to US 287 and forced TxDot to bump it up on the priority list.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on June 24, 2022, 12:17:50 PM
What is the time frame for the I-35 to hwy 67 construction to be done?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on June 24, 2022, 12:21:15 PM
What Road engineer thought it was a good idea to have Dallas North Tollway's I-35E's south exit empty out on an access road then merge onto I-35E? Weird, would love to know the reasoning behind that.

https://www.google.com/maps/place/Dallas+Museum+of+Art/@32.7924484,-96.8146928,475m/data=!3m2!1e3!5s0x864e9924832b72dd:0xd310293f1a4425f0!4m5!3m4!1s0x864e992482b7c47b:0x6f19f40e6daf5b0!8m2!3d32.7876959!4d-96.8010444

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.7926103,-96.8146388,3a,48.9y,165.76h,92.22t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sLZMSWpvvRp7h1l5vOlyz-g!2e0!7i16384!8i8192
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on June 24, 2022, 12:50:06 PM
Most of the Dallas North Tollway traffic in that area goes to/from locations within the downtown district. The SB main lanes merge into Harry Hines Blvd. The SB exit ramp that eventually leads to SB I-35E is forced to bypass multiple conflict points. The SB I-35E exit ramps for the Woodall Rodgers Freeway and Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge block any direct merge at the end of the SB DNT onto I-35E. The SB DNT ramp for SB-I-35E is forced onto the frontage road for a short distance before meeting a slip ramp onto I-35E. The ramp is not well signed though. If you're not paying attention you'll drive right past that on-ramp and end up having to sit through the traffic signal at Continental Avenue. Then you get to drive farther South on the access road to get another chance at getting on I-35E. But try not to wind up on I-30! The ramps are tricky!
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on June 24, 2022, 02:26:29 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on June 24, 2022, 12:50:06 PM
Most of the Dallas North Tollway traffic in that area goes to/from locations within the downtown district. The SB main lanes merge into Harry Hines Blvd. The SB exit ramp that eventually leads to SB I-35E is forced to bypass multiple conflict points. The SB I-35E exit ramps for the Woodall Rodgers Freeway and Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge block any direct merge at the end of the SB DNT onto I-35E. The SB DNT ramp for SB-I-35E is forced onto the frontage road for a short distance before meeting a slip ramp onto I-35E. The ramp is not well signed though. If you're not paying attention you'll drive right past that on-ramp and end up having to sit through the traffic signal at Continental Avenue. Then you get to drive farther South on the access road to get another chance at getting on I-35E. But try not to wind up on I-30! The ramps are tricky!

Tricky indeed. Did not understand why the third lane started backing up two miles back. I had to do a maneuver I hate, I became that guy that drove down to the exit and forced myself into the line to exit. I hate when people do this but their is very little or one sign stating its the I35E S exit.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on June 24, 2022, 02:30:58 PM
One more point, I know there are plans to blow up and reconstruct the I-30 canyon but going from I-35E North to Central via the Canyon is verrrrrrrrrrrrry counter intuitive. One has to rely on the above signs because the lanes do not go where you think they would.

Redoing the Canyon and keep traffic moving will be a huge engineering effort. But  hey, they redid the mixmaster and kept traffic somewhat moving.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on July 20, 2022, 09:32:32 PM
I saw this stub on I-30 in Arlington and I wondered if it was a stub for a reconfigurated exit ramp or long range plans for a future widening of I-30? https://goo.gl/maps/LC8LQBbcQNM9cWwV7
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on July 20, 2022, 09:41:01 PM
Quote from: longhorn on June 24, 2022, 02:30:58 PM
One more point, I know there are plans to blow up and reconstruct the I-30 canyon but going from I-35E North to Central via the Canyon is verrrrrrrrrrrrry counter intuitive. One has to rely on the above signs because the lanes do not go where you think they would.

Redoing the Canyon and keep traffic moving will be a huge engineering effort. But  hey, they redid the mixmaster and kept traffic somewhat moving.
35E N > Woodall > 75 N is by far the most direct and trouble-free movement.

However, keep your head on a swivel because traffic can dictate otherwse. In which case the Canyon is a serviceable alternative.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on July 20, 2022, 11:23:10 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 20, 2022, 09:32:32 PM
I saw this stub on I-30 in Arlington and I wondered if it was a stub for a reconfigurated exit ramp or long range plans for a future widening of I-30? https://goo.gl/maps/LC8LQBbcQNM9cWwV7

Yes, the section from the point in your link to IH-820 (east) is slated to be widened to 10 main lanes. TxDOT is in the process of soliciting a consultant for the formal study

https://www.txdot.gov/business/consultants/architectural-engineering-surveying/meetings/061322.html (https://www.txdot.gov/business/consultants/architectural-engineering-surveying/meetings/061322.html)
https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/ppd/061322/presentation.pdf (https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/ppd/061322/presentation.pdf)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on August 12, 2022, 08:35:02 PM
ROW Clearance and utility relocation progressing on I-35E/ US 77 in Lewisville. This particular stretch goes from Fox Av north to the Motel 6 (Formerly Select Inn) (Hampton Inn before that) just north of Main St

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52281771141_5e631602b0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nDXK6g)DSC_0144 (https://flic.kr/p/2nDXK6g)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on August 14, 2022, 08:14:03 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on August 12, 2022, 08:35:02 PM
ROW Clearance and utility relocation progressing on I-35E/ US 77 in Lewisville. This particular stretch goes from Fox Av north to the Motel 6 (Formerly Select Inn) (Hampton Inn before that) just north of Main St

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52281771141_5e631602b0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nDXK6g)DSC_0144 (https://flic.kr/p/2nDXK6g)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr

Are you on the east side looking north?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Brian556 on August 15, 2022, 08:31:51 PM
Quote from: rte66man on August 14, 2022, 08:14:03 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on August 12, 2022, 08:35:02 PM
ROW Clearance and utility relocation progressing on I-35E/ US 77 in Lewisville. This particular stretch goes from Fox Av north to the Motel 6 (Formerly Select Inn) (Hampton Inn before that) just north of Main St

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52281771141_5e631602b0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nDXK6g)DSC_0144 (https://flic.kr/p/2nDXK6g)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr

Are you on the east side looking north?

Yes
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on August 15, 2022, 08:46:46 PM
Quote from: Brian556 on August 12, 2022, 08:35:02 PM
ROW Clearance and utility relocation progressing on I-35E/ US 77 in Lewisville. This particular stretch goes from Fox Av north to the Motel 6 (Formerly Select Inn) (Hampton Inn before that) just north of Main St

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52281771141_5e631602b0_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nDXK6g)DSC_0144 (https://flic.kr/p/2nDXK6g)   (https://www.flickr.com/photos/165116087@N06/), on Flickr

A $65 million project at Main Street (FM 1171) is slated to receive bids in January 2023. The schematics show I-35E going under Main Street.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on August 26, 2022, 07:19:39 PM
https://starlocalmedia.com/celinarecord/celina-projects-included-in-denton-countys-proposed-650-million-bond-package/article_d8150a6e-243b-11ed-aab3-df5ad2724942.html

Denton County's bond package includes $30 million toward the extension of the outer loop from the Collin County line to I-35.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on August 26, 2022, 09:06:26 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on July 20, 2022, 11:23:10 PM
Quote from: Stephane Dumas on July 20, 2022, 09:32:32 PM
I saw this stub on I-30 in Arlington and I wondered if it was a stub for a reconfigurated exit ramp or long range plans for a future widening of I-30? https://goo.gl/maps/LC8LQBbcQNM9cWwV7

Yes, the section from the point in your link to IH-820 (east) is slated to be widened to 10 main lanes. TxDOT is in the process of soliciting a consultant for the formal study

https://www.txdot.gov/business/consultants/architectural-engineering-surveying/meetings/061322.html (https://www.txdot.gov/business/consultants/architectural-engineering-surveying/meetings/061322.html)
https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/ppd/061322/presentation.pdf (https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/ppd/061322/presentation.pdf)

It's funny, back in 1975, the Texas Turnpike Authority claimed they'd need to extend tolls on what was then the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike to widen the road

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on October 07, 2022, 09:43:09 PM
Bids were opened today for phase 2 of the I-30 Lake Ray Hubbard crossing. This phase will add frontage roads on new bridges, and also add full shoulders for the existing 4x4 main lanes from Dalrock Road to Rockwell, which is the eastern part of the crossing. Phase 1, which is the western side of the crossing, is currently in progress.

The good news is that it is on the estimate (and not much above). Of course, estimates have been adjusted upward due to inflation, and this is an expensive project.

http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/10073201.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/10073201.htm)

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   10/07/22
Type:   WIDEN ROAD - ADD SHOULDERS   Seq No:   3201
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   C 9-12-220
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   10223201
Length:   3.149   CCSJ:   0009-12-220
Limits:   
From:   DALROCK RD (DALLAS C/L)   Check:   $100,000
To:   SH 205   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $332,859,877.77   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $334,362,587.69   +0.45%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.
Bidder 2   $337,994,594.60   +1.54%   SEMA CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Bidder 3   $375,571,566.47   +12.83%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Bidder 4   $449,933,742.47   +35.17%   WEBBER, LLC
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on October 09, 2022, 09:55:58 AM
Speaking of Lake Ray Hubbard crossing, GSV have an updated view showing some of the pillars built for the new bridges.
https://goo.gl/maps/9i1QzNrHJnMeV7at5
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on October 10, 2022, 01:28:10 AM
The Dallas North Tollway frontage road is now open all the way to the Denton-Collin-Grayson County tri-point. Only a 2-lane road north of FM 428 with a speed limit of 45 mph and absolutely nothing but one old tractor in sight.

The intersection at 428 is now a 4-way stop, which is rocking everybody's world. And the FM 455 crossing is a completely blind intersection where cross traffic does not stop.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on October 12, 2022, 08:55:22 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on October 10, 2022, 01:28:10 AM
The Dallas North Tollway frontage road is now open all the way to the Denton-Collin-Grayson County tri-point. Only a 2-lane road north of FM 428 with a speed limit of 45 mph and absolutely nothing but one old tractor in sight.

The intersection at 428 is now a 4-way stop, which is rocking everybody's world. And the FM 455 crossing is a completely blind intersection where cross traffic does not stop.

I'm assuming FM455 traffic doesn't stop but why is it blind? You don't have anything in Street View to see so that's why I'm asking.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on October 12, 2022, 05:45:08 PM
Quote from: rte66man on October 12, 2022, 08:55:22 AM
Quote from: Road Hog on October 10, 2022, 01:28:10 AM
The Dallas North Tollway frontage road is now open all the way to the Denton-Collin-Grayson County tri-point. Only a 2-lane road north of FM 428 with a speed limit of 45 mph and absolutely nothing but one old tractor in sight.

The intersection at 428 is now a 4-way stop, which is rocking everybody's world. And the FM 455 crossing is a completely blind intersection where cross traffic does not stop.

I'm assuming FM455 traffic doesn't stop but why is it blind? You don't have anything in Street View to see so that's why I'm asking.
There is an incline and sharp curve on 455 on the west side. Traffic on the extension crossing over 455 cannot see oncoming vehicles at 55 mph until those vehicles are almost right at the intersection. It is an extreme hazard and justifies a 4-way stop there, more so than down at 428 where the visibility is much better.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on October 14, 2022, 02:25:24 AM
The hits keep coming. The Collin County Outer Loop frontage road is now open between the future Dallas North Tollway and Custer Road.

https://starlocalmedia.com/celinarecord/celina-collin-county-celebrate-opening-of-new-segment-of-outer-loop/article_7d29546a-4b38-11ed-888a-8bf06e2e3cd9.html
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on October 27, 2022, 06:36:55 PM
Google Earth has updated sat images for greater DFW to between June and August of 2022.  While looking in awe at how much new housing continues to spring up, I noticed some projects have shown significant improvements.

The loop around Weatherford has visible construction now for the remainder of the route north of I-20.

You can see the new connector in Haslet between Avondale-Haslet Road and I-35W/170.  Only gap not started is the 1/4 mile east of Blue Mound Road.  But Int'l Parkway is extended south so when that and the connector east of there opens it will be a big relief to the overloaded and seemingly never will be finished I-35W/Westport Pkwy intersection.

South of Lancaster a feeder road for Loop 9 is under construction from I-35E to I-45.

The ROW clearing in central Lewisville along I-35E, mentioned a page earlier, is visible.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on October 27, 2022, 07:25:06 PM
Quite a few homes are going up rapidly just West of the Northwest ISD complex by TX-114. A lot of that progress is visible via 6/2022 overhead imagery. One of these developments is Trails of Elizabeth Creek. That one will probably result in a new traffic signal on TX-114 at Holland Hill Lane. The segment of TX-114 between US-287 and I-35W used to be pretty much free-flowing. There is at least four traffic signals along that stretch of TX-114 currently. It looks like signals could be added at seven more intersections as various home development projects along TX-114 add more and more units.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on October 27, 2022, 08:22:11 PM
114 through there is a 240' ROW, so there's room to add overpasses when the time comes.  Though the current lanes will have to be rebuilt as feeder roads closer to the outer edges of the ROW.

Not brilliant foresight in initial construction, but I would guess that was the result of NIMBY local politicians at the time didn't want a future freeway.  "We're country folks and want to keep it that way, Dallas and Fort Worth will never reach this far out."  I saw it time and again at meetings a couple of decades ago.  Much easier to play to the NIMBY loudmouths of their constituents than to properly plan for the future.  When the freeway becomes actually needed they'll be out of office and it's someone else's problem.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on October 27, 2022, 10:40:53 PM
While it's possible to fit frontage roads and freeway main lanes within a 240' wide ROW it creates a challenge of how to handle grading and water drainage. Currently the EB and WB main lanes have a 70' wide grassy median and about 45' of space past the shoulders for gulleys.

If that portion of TX-114 was upgraded into a freeway the project would obviously require the EB and WB main lanes to be butted up against each other (separated only by a concrete Jersey barrier) to save space. That kind of design would need at least 74' to 80' to accommodate four main lanes, a pair of 10' shoulders and a center median (with Jersey barrier) between 8' and 12' wide. The recently completed US-287 freeway exit project East of Midlothian at Walnut Grove Road and Plainview Road has a ROW about 300' wide. The freeway portion is 90' wide.

Quote from: armadillo speedbumpNot brilliant foresight in initial construction, but I would guess that was the result of NIMBY local politicians at the time didn't want a future freeway.  "We're country folks and want to keep it that way, Dallas and Fort Worth will never reach this far out."

The NIMBY folks out there between Rhome and Roanoke will soon be covered in sprawl. They're going to be crammed in just as tight as Keller nearby. A decade from now TX-114 between US-287 and I-35W will likely have at least a dozen or more signal controlled intersections. The traffic situation will suck. Too many things nearby are drawing traffic: the speedway, the Northwest ISD complex, Tanger Outlets, Buc-ee's, other misc. stores and all those freaking warehouses.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on October 31, 2022, 06:15:02 PM
In the attachments for the September and October TxDOT commission meetings, I noticed a large amount of right-of-way acquisition for the west Loop 288 in Denton.

September: 126 acres
October: 104 acres

Total: 230 acres

This is good news. Some folks (including me) have expressed concern about lack of corridor protection in North Texas, but this is a case where the land is being acquired before development arrives.

Reviewing the ROW maps, the corridor is generally a minimum of 400 feet wide, but drops below 400 feet in a couple spots (375 and 385 feet) for no apparent reason, since there is undeveloped property adjacent to the corridor.

For reference, one mile of a 400-foot-wide corridor requires 48.5 acres. So this acquisition covers about 4.75 miles of the 8-mile western loop.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 02, 2022, 07:22:23 PM
Another budget-busting bid opening, this time for IH-30 in Rockwall county.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm)

I was expecting Williams to bid low since they won the contract on the adjacent section and they will already be mobilized. But apparently they were not really interested in the job since they bid super high.
Using a length of 9.2 miles (SH 205 to county line), this is $55 million per mile.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   11/02/22
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3001
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   11223001
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $413,700,705.24   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $510,166,221.75   +23.32%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Bidder 2   $516,518,373.39   +24.85%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $617,891,611.64   +49.36%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

This section is very old. It was the first highway in Texas to have the official interstate sign installed, in 1958. I'm not familiar with this segment, but I think it is mostly in its original configuration.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdfwfreeways.com%2Fimages%2Fbook%2FChDallasFreeways%2F06_dallas_freeways-220.jpg&hash=547ba3a4e435711bfccf7254f9b3f6381b41da21)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 02, 2022, 08:52:44 PM
Interesting trivia in that image.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Alps on November 02, 2022, 09:38:25 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 02, 2022, 07:22:23 PM
Another budget-busting bid opening, this time for IH-30 in Rockwall county.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm)

I was expecting Williams to bid low since they won the contract on the adjacent section and they will already be mobilized. But apparently they were not really interested in the job since they bid super high.
Using a length of 9.2 miles (SH 205 to county line), this is $55 million per mile.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   11/02/22
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3001
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   11223001
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $413,700,705.24   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $510,166,221.75   +23.32%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Bidder 2   $516,518,373.39   +24.85%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $617,891,611.64   +49.36%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

This section is very old. It was the first highway in Texas to have the official interstate sign installed, in 1958. I'm not familiar with this segment, but I think it is mostly in its original configuration.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdfwfreeways.com%2Fimages%2Fbook%2FChDallasFreeways%2F06_dallas_freeways-220.jpg&hash=547ba3a4e435711bfccf7254f9b3f6381b41da21)
Can always question when the estimate was generated. Companies may be predicting spikes in prices that aren't reflected in the estimate (think asphalt and concrete here).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on November 03, 2022, 03:48:41 PM
$ 55 million per mile sounds high considering that several bridges on this stretch of I-30 were already replaced by wider bridges in recent years.

west to east;

* bridge over SH 205, replaced by wider structure in 2008
* bridge over FM 551, built new when overpass was replaced by interchange in 2015
* bridge over Erby Campbell Road in Royse City, replaced when interchange was built in 2015
* bridge over FM 2642 replaced by wider structure in 2019

These bridges all feature space for six lanes and shoulders.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 03, 2022, 04:54:29 PM
Quote from: Chris on November 03, 2022, 03:48:41 PM
$ 55 million per mile sounds high considering that several bridges on this stretch of I-30 were already replaced by wider bridges in recent years.

west to east;

* bridge over SH 205, replaced by wider structure in 2008
* bridge over FM 551, built new when overpass was replaced by interchange in 2015
* bridge over Erby Campbell Road in Royse City, replaced when interchange was built in 2015
* bridge over FM 2642 replaced by wider structure in 2019

These bridges all feature space for six lanes and shoulders.

As Alps mentioned, the contractors may be bidding high to protect themselves in case inflation remains high (5 to 10%) for the duration of the construction period.

That's a well-known problem with inflation. When it becomes established and embedded into people's behavior, it becomes more difficult to bring the inflation rate back down.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on November 06, 2022, 03:17:50 PM
https://twitter.com/CityOfArlington/status/1588229926087712773

Southeast Connector construction begins March 2023. TXDOT is clearing land at Park Springs and I20 for staging areas.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on November 06, 2022, 10:16:07 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 02, 2022, 07:22:23 PM
Another budget-busting bid opening, this time for IH-30 in Rockwall county.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm)

I was expecting Williams to bid low since they won the contract on the adjacent section and they will already be mobilized. But apparently they were not really interested in the job since they bid super high.
Using a length of 9.2 miles (SH 205 to county line), this is $55 million per mile.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   11/02/22
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3001
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   11223001
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $413,700,705.24   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $510,166,221.75   +23.32%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Bidder 2   $516,518,373.39   +24.85%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $617,891,611.64   +49.36%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

This section is very old. It was the first highway in Texas to have the official interstate sign installed, in 1958. I'm not familiar with this segment, but I think it is mostly in its original configuration.


The part east of Erby Campbell is pre 1970 except for the overpass at FM2642 which was rebuilt and widened about the time Buckees was built there. The parts from just west of FM 548 to the Hunt County line except for the 2642 intersection all need a complete replacement INCLUDING the frontage roads.

The frontage roads between Rockwall and Royse City are in the end stages of replacement already. This SHOULD be nothing except replacing the main lanes and widening in the process.

This price tag might make sense if it were the portion from the Dallas County Line to SH 205 (or even just Ridge Road)? It has a big swath over Ray Hubbard Reservoir and that construction is widen the main lanes AND construct frontage roads over the lake.


That said, Owing to the fact that this is a very old section of road, there is probably minimal microengineering already done. This could realistically be half or more in engineering costs. I am not that sure the micro-engineering in replacing existent roadways are a good use of our limited funds.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 08, 2022, 07:42:20 PM
NTTA has announced that the environmental study for the east Bush Turnpike extension (I-30 to I-20) has resumed.

https://www.ntta.org/newsresources/reports/projectprogressreports/Documents/current_cpr/CPR_EastBranch_secure.pdf (https://www.ntta.org/newsresources/reports/projectprogressreports/Documents/current_cpr/CPR_EastBranch_secure.pdf)  (includes map)

Planning on this section was dormant for a long time, so I was starting to become concerned about it. I'm hoping NTTA is completing the study to get environmental clearance so they can promptly begin construction.

The weird alignment option along Lawson Road near I-20 appears to be an option to avoid routing the tollway in the floodplain, which presumably is environmentally sensitive. But the Lawson road alignment takes it near more residential areas. Of course I always prefer direct, efficient alignments, but in North Texas the swerving inefficient alignments can't be ruled out. The flood plain alignment is 2 miles long, and may need to be elevated (=expensive).

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 08, 2022, 07:47:45 PM
Would it be more expensive than just taking out existing homes and building a straighter, direct path? Seems like that would be preferable.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 08, 2022, 08:03:37 PM
Quote from: Plutonic Panda on November 08, 2022, 07:47:45 PM
Would it be more expensive than just taking out existing homes and building a straighter, direct path? Seems like that would be preferable.

Maybe, but it appears that previous studies have narrowed the alignment as shown in the map, with only those two areas still subject to a decision. Displacing homes seems to be a political nonstarter these days, which explains the two options near I-20.

The two options near I-20 have been defined for a while, I'm thinking 10 years (before the project became dormant). NCTCOG long-term maps show the direct alignment, but apparently it's not officially determined yet.
https://www.nctcog.org/getmedia/d0fdd96b-bc02-4523-b844-d6fe32ce0711/Map-Packet-June-2022.pdf (https://www.nctcog.org/getmedia/d0fdd96b-bc02-4523-b844-d6fe32ce0711/Map-Packet-June-2022.pdf)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 08, 2022, 08:19:50 PM
No matter what the NTTA does with extending the East side of the Bush Turnpike down to I-20 the route will eat a lot of properties.

I'm not all that sympathetic to property owners who deliberately built apartments and homes in what would likely be the turnpike expansion path. There is a huge complex of apartments directly on the other side of the Y interchange with I-30 and the East terminus of the Bush Turnpike. Embree Hill Apartments has been building a big new expansion right there. This plan to extend the Bush Turnpike down to I-20 has been in the works for decades.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 08, 2022, 09:46:31 PM
^^^ it's irritating that more work isn't done to prevent that very situation to begin with. Same thing with the Kilpatrick turnpike extension. It seems like it shouldn't be too much work to simply work with other government agencies like counties and municipalities to block development or buy the ROW before it a) becomes expensive and b) gets eaten up by development.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on November 09, 2022, 12:46:01 AM
I think the problem is a side effect of the worsening political environment over the past 20 or so years. Politicians at both the state and federal level are rarely not in campaign mode. They're more interested in short-term, quick effect ideas than anything requiring a long term plan. Buying a bunch of empty land to preserve as future super-highway right of way and let it sit empty doesn't thrill any modern day politicians. They can't take credit for a super-highway that gets built on that empty land 10 or 20 years later, long after they've left office. If they pass a tax cut that gives an immediate rush to voters.

Certain "reforms" over the years to battle pork barrel spending have reduced the amount of bi-partisan deal-making. There is less incentive for lawmakers to "reach across the aisle" to win votes to get specific things done -like long term infrastructure plans. Combine that with the sheer tyranny of 24 hour cable news networks. Those channels (and certain other media outlets) captivate viewers with fear and anger almost like a form of pornography. The media outlets make a LOT of ad money broadcasting it. The media loves devoting its attention to the loudest mouths. The media didn't have this much power to pick winners 30 years ago. So politicians have to play the media's game to get attention. And they do that by playing to their partisan base rather than being moderate and practical.

Texas used to be really good at long term highway corridor preservation. The state started lapsing on that 30 years ago, as the political environment was changing. Buying ROW for a possible future freeway requires spending tax dollars on something that might not be built for at least a decade or more. A lot of people (or rival candidates) might see that as wasteful spending.

That's my theory on it anyway.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 09, 2022, 09:47:07 PM
Denton County voters passed proposition A with 74% approval. It authorizes $650 million for roads, and $30 million is earmarked for environmental studies for the Denton County Outer Loop, which will extend the Collin County Loop westward from the Collin/Denton county line to I-35.

https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/frisco/transportation/2022/10/14/denton-county-bond-to-advance-regional-connector/ (https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/frisco/transportation/2022/10/14/denton-county-bond-to-advance-regional-connector/)

QuoteThe $30 million allocated to the Outer Loop would help fund environmental studies to move the project forward, Polster said. Denton County is using federal funds to build the road, making the study mandatory, he said.

"The environmental clearance ... is just getting the alignment established and getting it environmentally cleared so that we can protect the corridor from future development,"  Polster said.

The process is expected to take about three years, but it could go as long as five years, he said. Following this phase, Denton County crews would move to right-of-way acquisition and utility relocations.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on November 18, 2022, 11:57:52 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 02, 2022, 07:22:23 PM
Another budget-busting bid opening, this time for IH-30 in Rockwall county.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm)

I was expecting Williams to bid low since they won the contract on the adjacent section and they will already be mobilized. But apparently they were not really interested in the job since they bid super high.
Using a length of 9.2 miles (SH 205 to county line), this is $55 million per mile.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   11/02/22
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3001
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   11223001
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $413,700,705.24   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $510,166,221.75   +23.32%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Bidder 2   $516,518,373.39   +24.85%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $617,891,611.64   +49.36%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

The TxDOT commission is deferring a decision on the award of this contract until December. According to the video discussion, the delay will allow the district to more carefully evaluate the bid.

Discussion is at 37 minutes  https://txdot.new.swagit.com/videos/189771 (https://txdot.new.swagit.com/videos/189771)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on December 13, 2022, 11:49:57 AM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 18, 2022, 11:57:52 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 02, 2022, 07:22:23 PM
Another budget-busting bid opening, this time for IH-30 in Rockwall county.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm)

I was expecting Williams to bid low since they won the contract on the adjacent section and they will already be mobilized. But apparently they were not really interested in the job since they bid super high.
Using a length of 9.2 miles (SH 205 to county line), this is $55 million per mile.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   11/02/22
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3001
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   11223001
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $413,700,705.24   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $510,166,221.75   +23.32%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Bidder 2   $516,518,373.39   +24.85%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $617,891,611.64   +49.36%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

The TxDOT commission is deferring a decision on the award of this contract until December. According to the video discussion, the delay will allow the district to more carefully evaluate the bid.

Discussion is at 37 minutes  https://txdot.new.swagit.com/videos/189771 (https://txdot.new.swagit.com/videos/189771)

At today's commission meeting, the low bid was rejected and the project will be rebid later in fiscal year 2023 after design changes are made.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on January 28, 2023, 12:37:11 PM
GSW GSV did a little update and posted some new shots of I-30 near the upcoming TX-360 stack interchange. https://goo.gl/maps/H6UcEBB37rdyZF2C8

I wonder if we could name that interchange the Six Flags interchange due to its proximity to Six Flags Over Texas?

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on February 09, 2023, 10:44:59 AM
Sorry for double-posting but the construction of the new TX-199 bridge on Lake Worth is well advanced from what I saw on GSV from January 2023.
https://goo.gl/maps/aSUY6iiYhGrCnpuF8
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on February 18, 2023, 03:05:58 AM
Plans are underway to expand the northeast Tarrant County routes where managed lanes have been built.  There will be a third non-toll lane in each direction along I-820 from I-35W to the SH 121 north and SH 183 east interchange, and that section of Airport Freeway will get a third managed lane in each direction as far as Industrial Blvd.  This will be paid for by the managed lane company.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/article272537552.html (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/article272537552.html)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on February 18, 2023, 01:12:17 PM
I wonder how they're going to squeeze in a 3rd free lane on I-820 between the I-35W and TX-121 interchanges. It doesn't look like there is any spare room for it.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on February 18, 2023, 02:00:23 PM
^^^ is that the section they just widened to include a 2-2-2-2 setup? It looks like there is room but it won't be cheap.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on February 18, 2023, 02:19:27 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 18, 2023, 01:12:17 PM
I wonder how they're going to squeeze in a 3rd free lane on I-820 between the I-35W and TX-121 interchanges. It doesn't look like there is any spare room for it.
If they reduced the existing lane and shoulder widths, they should be able to fit it in.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on February 18, 2023, 08:48:13 PM
Reducing lane widths is not the way to go about it. Superhighway lanes less than 12' wide really suck. I avoid the current I-35E setup between LBJ Freeway and Denton because of the 11' lanes thru there. Those kinds of lanes will make you feel like you're going to trade paint with vehicles in the adjacent lanes. With the insane way some people in Dallas drive, going way over the speed limit, weaving thru lanes like a skier going through a slalom course, the skinny lanes are a great way to set up some really bad accidents.

I'll be pissed if they "add" a third free lane on I-820 by simply re-striping the existing road.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on February 20, 2023, 12:16:32 AM
Quote from: wxfree on February 18, 2023, 03:05:58 AM
Plans are underway to expand the northeast Tarrant County routes where managed lanes have been built.  There will be a third non-toll lane in each direction along I-820 from I-35W to the SH 121 north and SH 183 east interchange, and that section of Airport Freeway will get a third managed lane in each direction as far as Industrial Blvd.  This will be paid for by the managed lane company.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/article272537552.html (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/article272537552.html)

Are they going to be able to squeeze a third lane general purpose under the Rufe Snow Bridge? I remember they had to build a new support beam on it to support the toll lanes back during the NTE construction.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on February 20, 2023, 03:07:03 PM
Quote from: motorola870 on February 20, 2023, 12:16:32 AM

Are they going to be able to squeeze a third lane general purpose under the Rufe Snow Bridge? I remember they had to build a new support beam on it to support the toll lanes back during the NTE construction.

Westbound is easy, just use the current exit lane to the toll segment as the 3rd lane until after the bridge.

Eastbound there looks to be room to redo the drainage and build the 3rd lane in that section.  I measure 20' from the yellow line to the wall, so 12' lane plus an 8' inside breakdown area.  Wide enough for at least the immediate bridge area?  Edit:  20' looks to be standard for current room between inside lane and median, so that's probably the plan.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on February 20, 2023, 03:32:41 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 18, 2023, 01:12:17 PM
I wonder how they're going to squeeze in a 3rd free lane on I-820 between the I-35W and TX-121 interchanges. It doesn't look like there is any spare room for it.

Actually it's pretty clear that the room is already there, by design.

The odd interior drainage area will probably be modified and the extra lane will go there along much of the route.

The pier spacing shows they planned for an extra lane:

https://www.google.com/maps/@32.8392221,-97.2824537,3a,68y,100.22h,87.94t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1slfYpXzVgJkERiAcxwxzGVQ!2e0!6shttps:%2F%2Fstreetviewpixels-pa.googleapis.com%2Fv1%2Fthumbnail%3Fpanoid%3DlfYpXzVgJkERiAcxwxzGVQ%26cb_client%3Dmaps_sv.tactile.gps%26w%3D203%26h%3D100%26yaw%3D126.62297%26pitch%3D0%26thumbfov%3D100!7i16384!8i8192!5m1!1e1

A similar 20' from yellow line to barrier underneath the railroad bridge near US 377.

Bridges look wide enough for easy conversion.  For example, eastbound over Beach St, I doubt that exit volume (current or future) requires double exit only lanes.  One is just a placeholder for the future 3rd lane.   Westbound exit only lane over Holiday Ln will likely become the 3rd lane.  Etc.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: rte66man on February 20, 2023, 05:14:20 PM
Quote from: wxfree on February 18, 2023, 03:05:58 AM
Plans are underway to expand the northeast Tarrant County routes where managed lanes have been built.  There will be a third non-toll lane in each direction along I-820 from I-35W to the SH 121 north and SH 183 east interchange, and that section of Airport Freeway will get a third managed lane in each direction as far as Industrial Blvd.  This will be paid for by the managed lane company.

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/article272537552.html (https://www.star-telegram.com/news/traffic/article272537552.html)

I was in the area on business recently and was appalled at traffic backups on 820 in both directions between 35W and the 121 split. Since I was in a company car I took the toll lanes and winced at the rates posted.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: wxfree on February 20, 2023, 09:45:40 PM
According to a Facebook post by NTTA, the southbound DNT bridge over US 380 is now open.  They're still working on the northbound side.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: kernals12 on February 28, 2023, 01:47:56 PM
TxDOT held a meeting on widening I-30 in Fort Worth between I-820 and Chisholm Trail Parkway. For reasons unstated, they only want to add 1 lane in each direction instead of 2. The ROW width will be the same, as the space that would've gone to the 5th lane will just be a wider median. Perhaps they're worried about creating a bottleneck where it merges with Chisholm Trail?
(https://i.imgur.com/zLPnTT2.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/YQUZbue.png)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: motorola870 on March 01, 2023, 09:57:53 PM
Quote from: kernals12 on February 28, 2023, 01:47:56 PM
TxDOT held a meeting on widening I-30 in Fort Worth between I-820 and Chisholm Trail Parkway. For reasons unstated, they only want to add 1 lane in each direction instead of 2. The ROW width will be the same, as the space that would've gone to the 5th lane will just be a wider median. Perhaps they're worried about creating a bottleneck where it merges with Chisholm Trail?
(https://i.imgur.com/zLPnTT2.png)

(https://i.imgur.com/YQUZbue.png)
maybe this will finally get rid of the remaining turnpike era bridges on I30.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on April 19, 2023, 02:15:44 PM
Observations from this past weekend

SH 170 (Alliance Gateway Freeway): main lane pavement is done for most of the section. There are few sections missing pavement, mainly where the field office is located and just west of Park Vista. I'm thinking parts may be open in a few months, with everything done in less than a year.

LBJ East: work is progressing quickly. The arch for the signature bridge at Skillman is underway. Only two original ramps remain at the I-30 interchange.
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i635/construction/20230416-17_063-1100.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i635/construction/20230416-17_063-1100.jpg)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi635%2Fconstruction%2F20230416-17_063-1100.jpg&hash=b1e81bc5191ae5e9c1353bd944a086574618eaad)

http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i635/construction/20230416-17canon_031-1100.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i635/construction/20230416-17canon_031-1100.jpg)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi635%2Fconstruction%2F20230416-17canon_031-1100.jpg&hash=eec948c82c803ea1bf575e4dda010ff8704c5299)

I-30 Lake Hubbard: The new bridge for the eastbound frontage road is nearing completion.
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i30-dallas/construction/20230416-17canon_022-1100.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/i30-dallas/construction/20230416-17canon_022-1100.jpg)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fi30-dallas%2Fconstruction%2F20230416-17canon_022-1100.jpg&hash=9dbd8853dcec6cec840b45ed3f5d4fc15ad9d893)

US 175 removal: All main lanes are overpasses are demolished. The underpass at MLK is filled with dirt.
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/us175/construction/20230416-17canon_008-1100.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/us175/construction/20230416-17canon_008-1100.jpg)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fus175%2Fconstruction%2F20230416-17canon_008-1100.jpg&hash=47277a4b0fd61fdc01fcba549c931f51c1fbbb92)

Irving Interchange: work is progressing well
http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/sh183/construction/20230416-17_111-1200.jpg (http://dallasfreeways.com/dfwfreeways/sh183/construction/20230416-17_111-1200.jpg)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdallasfreeways.com%2Fdfwfreeways%2Fsh183%2Fconstruction%2F20230416-17_111-1200.jpg&hash=4165f51df2f412fd09d10e2ef1414b49d4dc8568)

I-35E Farmers Branch: work is well underway, mainly on the west side where the corridor is being widened. There are numerous piers in place for ramps to the managed lanes and/or braided ramps.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on June 28, 2023, 06:09:44 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 02, 2022, 07:22:23 PM
Another budget-busting bid opening, this time for IH-30 in Rockwall county.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm)

I was expecting Williams to bid low since they won the contract on the adjacent section and they will already be mobilized. But apparently they were not really interested in the job since they bid super high.
Using a length of 9.2 miles (SH 205 to county line), this is $55 million per mile.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   11/02/22
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3001
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   11223001
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $413,700,705.24   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $510,166,221.75   +23.32%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Bidder 2   $516,518,373.39   +24.85%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $617,891,611.64   +49.36%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

Bids were opened today for the revised project, after rejection of the bids in November 2022. I don't know how much the project was shortened.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/06283601.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/06283601.htm)
This time Williams Brothers is the low bidder, as I was expecting on the first bid.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   06/28/23
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3601
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   06233601
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   $7200000.00
Estimate   $367,245,448.74   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $353,790,406.89   -3.66%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.
Bidder 2   $381,659,223.69   +3.92%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $400,963,013.89   +9.18%   PULICE CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Bidder 4   $406,580,316.69   +10.71%   SEMA CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Bidder 5   $412,650,006.65   +12.36%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on June 29, 2023, 12:56:07 AM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on June 28, 2023, 06:09:44 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on November 02, 2022, 07:22:23 PM
Another budget-busting bid opening, this time for IH-30 in Rockwall county.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/11023001.htm)

I was expecting Williams to bid low since they won the contract on the adjacent section and they will already be mobilized. But apparently they were not really interested in the job since they bid super high.
Using a length of 9.2 miles (SH 205 to county line), this is $55 million per mile.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   11/02/22
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3001
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   11223001
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   
Estimate   $413,700,705.24   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $510,166,221.75   +23.32%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP
Bidder 2   $516,518,373.39   +24.85%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $617,891,611.64   +49.36%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.

Bids were opened today for the revised project, after rejection of the bids in November 2022. I don't know how much the project was shortened.
http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/06283601.htm (http://www.dot.state.tx.us/insdtdot/orgchart/cmd/cserve/bidtab/06283601.htm)
This time Williams Brothers is the low bidder, as I was expecting on the first bid.

County:   ROCKWALL   Let Date:   06/28/23
Type:   GRADING,ACP,STRS,SIGNING,PAVEMENT   Seq No:   3601
Time:   0 X   Project ID:   F 2023(166)
Highway:   IH 30   Contract #:   06233601
Length:   10.390   CCSJ:   0009-12-219
Limits:   
From:   SH205   Check:   $100,000
To:   WEST OF FM2642 (HUNT C/L)   Misc Cost:   $7200000.00
Estimate   $367,245,448.74   % Over/Under   Company
Bidder 1   $353,790,406.89   -3.66%   WILLIAMS BROTHERS CONSTRUCTION CO., INC.
Bidder 2   $381,659,223.69   +3.92%   WEBBER, LLC
Bidder 3   $400,963,013.89   +9.18%   PULICE CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Bidder 4   $406,580,316.69   +10.71%   SEMA CONSTRUCTION, INC.
Bidder 5   $412,650,006.65   +12.36%   AUSTIN BRIDGE & ROAD SERVICES, LP

I think the original was for complete 2-3-3-2 construction as I read it. It seriously confused me. The frontage roads are either brand new or actually currently under construction.  There are several stretches that are virtually new and many of the bridges and overpasses have been built in the past decade.  Did Williams originally  bid high because they knew it was a boondoggle?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on June 29, 2023, 02:33:36 PM
Quote from: bwana39 on June 29, 2023, 12:56:07 AMI think the original was for complete 2-3-3-2 construction as I read it. It seriously confused me. The frontage roads are either brand new or actually currently under construction.  There are several stretches that are virtually new and many of the bridges and overpasses have been built in the past decade.  Did Williams originally  bid high because they knew it was a boondoggle?

The plans set for the November 2022 iteration is no longer available on TxDOT's FTP server.  My recollection is that while the plans were revised, the changes were comparatively modest--50 sign panel detail and sign elevation sheets in November versus 48 now.  The respective estimates suggest no large changes in project scope, so I suspect incremental modifications through a value-engineering process.

Williams' first bid was so much larger in November (half again the engineer's estimate) that I suspect it was a way of saying to TxDOT:  too much on our plate, so we're not interested unless we can make a profit by subbing it out to someone else who will do it at costs higher than ours.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on July 06, 2023, 10:27:56 PM
This nice photo of the Irving Interchange is on the Bloomberg news site today.

However, the photo is not recent. September 2022 work was much further along than this photo, so I think this photo is from early summer 2022.

(https://assets.bwbx.io/images/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/ik7wkyLRRWvg/v0/2500x1900.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: splashflash on August 11, 2023, 09:14:00 PM
This 13-mile highway stretch is getting a revamp that could shorten your trip to DFW Airport

https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/13-mile-highway-stretch-getting-173054276.html?src=rss

North Tarrant Express Mobility Partners is revamping the Northeast Loop 820/Airport Freeway corridor.

Funding for the $414-million project was finalized Friday, according to the private developer North Tarrant Express. Equity participants Cintra and Meridiam will fund the project. It will not require taxpayer money.

Construction will start by the end of the year and is expected to be completed by 2027. Most of the construction will take place at night.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on August 12, 2023, 05:27:55 AM
This expansion was part of the original concession for the North Tarrant Express project.

The capacity would be expanded by one lane either by 2030, or earlier when maximum capacity is reached. That is now the case.

As I understand, they will add one general purpose lane each way on I-820 and one tolled managed lane on SH 121/183. The corridor appears to be designed for this expansion in mind, which is why most construction can be done at night and doesn't require a massive rebuild of the freeway.

(https://i.imgur.com/KOr43Hf.jpg)

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on August 12, 2023, 03:02:51 PM
IMHO, it was stupid for them not to build out the North Tarrant Express in a 4-2-2-4 configuration from the start. That's considering the massive amount of property that had to be cleared for what we have now. The 2-2-2-2 sections may end up just being 3-2-2-3 after this expansion is done.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BJ59 on August 12, 2023, 05:46:17 PM
Does anyone know if the North Tarrant Express Project on I35W will ever expand into Denton County? The current I35W setup in Denton County seems doesn't seem like it will be able to accommodate for all the new housing developments springing up in the area
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on August 13, 2023, 02:01:44 AM
The current plans have the express lanes on I-35W ending just South of the TX-114 interchange. As has been the case for at least the past decade or longer TX DOT has been caught 100% flat-footed by the sheer amount of population growth and new business development going up North of Fort Worth. The 2x2 configuration on I-35W between the TX-114 interchange and North split of I-35E/I-35W is just ridiculously pathetic. That section of I-35W needs to be upgraded into at least a 4x4 configuration, if not a 3-2-2-3 layout.

It's kind of staggering to see just how many giant logistical warehouses have been built near the I-35W/TX-114 interchange in the last few years. Add to that a whole bunch of new housing subdivisions.

Not only is TX DOT goofing up with I-35W South of Denton, but they're really screwing the pooch when it comes to TX-114 between I-35W and US-287. There is barely enough space along that segment of TX-114 to shoe-horn an Interstate quality upgrade and flanking frontage roads -thanks to all the damned new development creeping up too ****king close to the highway.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BJ59 on August 13, 2023, 05:07:14 PM
I agree. TX-114 between I-35W and US-287 needs to be upgraded before it turns into a mess like it has between I-35W and TX-170. At least in that stretch, they have the ROW for a freeway. They do not between I-35W and US-287.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on August 13, 2023, 07:04:41 PM
TX DOT could upgrade that portion of TX-114 into a 2x2 freeway flanked by frontage roads if they didn't waste any extra space on greenery and decorative treatments. Most of the existing ROW is about 250' across, as measured from one utility easement across the road to the other utility easement. About 85' is needed for a pair of 12' wide travel lanes in each direction, plus 10' outer shoulders, 6' inner shoulders and room for concrete barriers (tall ones to block out headlight glare from traffic in opposing lanes). Frontage roads would consume at least another 48' of ROW (plus whatever is needed for shoulders). The difficult thing is accommodating on/off ramps. Frontage roads have to flare outward to make room for slip ramps large enough to allow safe traffic flow on and off the freeway main lanes. Those slip ramps are typically what make it necessary for a Texas style freeway to have a 300'-350' wide ROW.

It's geometrically possible to build a 2x2 freeway with frontage roads and slip ramps in a 250' wide foot print. But some "creative" design choices might be necessary, like elevating stretches of the main lanes so on/off ramps can taper in more closely to the main lanes. People buying pricey homes in "upper middle class" developments aren't big fans of elevated freeway structures.

Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on August 13, 2023, 08:55:29 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on August 13, 2023, 07:04:41 PM
TX DOT could upgrade that portion of TX-114 into a 2x2 freeway flanked by frontage roads if they didn't waste any extra space on greenery and decorative treatments. Most of the existing ROW is about 250' across, as measured from one utility easement across the road to the other utility easement. About 85' is needed for a pair of 12' wide travel lanes in each direction, plus 10' outer shoulders, 6' inner shoulders and room for concrete barriers (tall ones to block out headlight glare from traffic in opposing lanes). Frontage roads would consume at least another 48' of ROW (plus whatever is needed for shoulders). The difficult thing is accommodating on/off ramps. Frontage roads have to flare outward to make room for slip ramps large enough to allow safe traffic flow on and off the freeway main lanes. Those slip ramps are typically what make it necessary for a Texas style freeway to have a 300'-350' wide ROW.

It's geometrically possible to build a 2x2 freeway with frontage roads and slip ramps in a 250' wide foot print. But some "creative" design choices might be necessary, like elevating stretches of the main lanes so on/off ramps can taper in more closely to the main lanes. People buying pricey homes in "upper middle class" developments aren't big fans of elevated freeway structures.


The May 2023 public meeting for improvements to US 287 around and south of Rhome includes the following schematic which includes a short section of SH 114.
https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/get-involved/ftw/us81-us287/051623-schematic-3.pdf (https://ftp.txdot.gov/pub/txdot/get-involved/ftw/us81-us287/051623-schematic-3.pdf)

Frontage roads are planned for this section of SH 114, with the suggestion that the frontage roads will be extended. (The frontage roads don't merge into the main lanes.) In addition, the new right-of-way on each side of SH 114 is very close to or exactly 30 feet, which will make the corridor 300 feet wide, which is the minimum for a decent quality freeway.

So this is very encouraging. I have not seen any evidence of planning for the rest of the corridor. As Bobby5280 has mentioned, TxDOT needs to hurry up to avoid another mess like US 380 in Collin County.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on August 13, 2023, 09:17:39 PM
I certainly hope the proposed "Y" interchange of US-287/TX-114 in Rhome is fully built out as planned. I had seen less detailed versions of this interchange design before. The schematic PDF makes it look more likely. Hopefully the new interchange will improve the grading for WB TX-114 transitioning into NB US-287. The current design has motorists going on a somewhat serious downslope around a long curve. It can be tricky for motorists on TX-114 to see oncoming traffic from US-287 in order to merge safely.

If this US-287/TX-114 interchange is built and the TX-114 freeway extension is built across I-35W to the FM-156 interchange that would leave the remaining segment from the Northwest ISD school complex to the edge of Rhome as the final segment to upgrade. I would imagine at least two or three exits would be needed along the way. TX DOT really has to get on the ball quick though. It's staggering to see just how many of these huge logistics warehouses are being built near the I-35W/TX-114 interchange. Some new ones are being built next to TX-114. The Northwest ISD school complex is getting surrounded by those things. Those warehouses can generate a hell of a lot of truck traffic.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BJ59 on August 22, 2023, 06:02:46 PM
I recently saw that the Mario Sinacola construction group has set up in the TX-114 median just east of I-35W. There are also roadwork signs set up all the way from US-377 to I-35W on TX-114. Did Sinacola acquire a contract to extend the TX-114 freeway to I-35W?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on August 22, 2023, 06:29:30 PM
Quote from: BJ59 on August 22, 2023, 06:02:46 PM
I recently saw that the Mario Sinacola construction group has set up in the TX-114 median just east of I-35W. There are also roadwork signs set up all the way from US-377 to I-35W on TX-114. Did Sinacola acquire a contract to extend the TX-114 freeway to I-35W?

Sincola just does the dirtwork, but that would be the assumption.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: yakra on October 17, 2023, 12:04:26 AM
FM 121 Spur is open!
https://www.kten.com/story/49580615/grayson-parkway-opens-speeding-tollway-access
At 1:31 in the video, there's a shot of "Farm Spur" shield, looking like a traditional FM shield except with "Spur" instead of "Road".
Prior to this, I've only ever seen shields for FM spurs that confusingly look indistinguishable from State Highway Spur shields. I like this new style, and hope they continue to use it going forward.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on October 18, 2023, 04:30:16 PM
Quote from: yakra on October 17, 2023, 12:04:26 AM
FM 121 Spur is open!
https://www.kten.com/story/49580615/grayson-parkway-opens-speeding-tollway-access
At 1:31 in the video, there's a shot of "Farm Spur" shield, looking like a traditional FM shield except with "Spur" instead of "Road".
Prior to this, I've only ever seen shields for FM spurs that confusingly look indistinguishable from State Highway Spur shields. I like this new style, and hope they continue to use it going forward.

I've always wondered why TX couldn't use this or a regular FM/RM with a SPUR banner above the shield, instead of the more-confusing state spur shield.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Ellie on October 18, 2023, 05:40:55 PM
Quote from: yakra on October 17, 2023, 12:04:26 AM
FM 121 Spur is open!
https://www.kten.com/story/49580615/grayson-parkway-opens-speeding-tollway-access
At 1:31 in the video, there's a shot of "Farm Spur" shield, looking like a traditional FM shield except with "Spur" instead of "Road".
Prior to this, I've only ever seen shields for FM spurs that confusingly look indistinguishable from State Highway Spur shields. I like this new style, and hope they continue to use it going forward.

Checked it out a few weeks ago; it's a nice new stretch of pavement (speed limit is 55, as opposed to the Dallas Parkway south of there, which is only 50, and has only curbs instead of an actual shoulder). No traffic either.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0e/View_northbound_along_FM_Spur_121.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: longhorn on November 01, 2023, 11:02:58 AM
I-30 widening project

https://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/I30EC
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: bwana39 on November 02, 2023, 10:21:26 AM
OK , so what is the point in making subsurface main lanes when you put in ground level frontage roads and 18-foot noise barriers?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on November 02, 2023, 10:44:28 AM
Quote from: bwana39 on November 02, 2023, 10:21:26 AM
OK , so what is the point in making subsurface main lanes when you put in ground level frontage roads and 18-foot noise barriers?
Less traffic noise? Plus it allows for the realistically portrayal of amazing renderings of a billion dollar park cap that won't ever be built.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on February 27, 2024, 03:29:51 PM
https://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/us-highways/us80-spur557

A public hearing was held for the six lane expansion of US 80 and Spur 557 near Forney (east of Dallas).

However my eye caught the 'Kaufman County Loop', which is illustrated as a massive 16 lane corridor.

According to the project website that project is still in design phase: https://kaufmanouterloop.com/


(https://i.ibb.co/fnd5Z11/Kaufman-1.jpg)

(https://i.ibb.co/8zY10cB/Kaufman-2.jpg)
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on February 27, 2024, 07:16:09 PM
No need to guess then the Kaufman County Loop will be part of Loop-9.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on February 27, 2024, 08:06:26 PM
Quote from: Chris on February 27, 2024, 03:29:51 PM
https://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/us-highways/us80-spur557

A public hearing was held for the six lane expansion of US 80 and Spur 557 near Forney (east of Dallas).


On a related note for US 80, rebuilding the interchange at I-635 is scheduled to receive bids in July (https://tableau.txdot.gov/views/ProjectInformationDashboard/ProjectInformationDashboard?%3Aembed=y&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Aorigin=card_share_link). The estimated cost is $440 million.

The interchange is proceeding before the planned expansion in Dallas County, and is sooner than I expected. I suppose it is ready for construction, whereas other projects are not.

A meeting (https://www.txdot.gov/business/peps/opportunities/meetings/pre-rfp-meeting-construction-engineering-inspection-services-ih635us80-interchange-dallas-county.html) to solicit an inspection contractor was held today.

This interchange is the second of the six interchanges which I call the "cookie cutter" interchanges in the DFW Freeways book (http://dfwfreeways.com/book/ExCookieCutter?startOdd=False). These six interchanges along I-635 have a nearly identical design, all with the central double-T pylon. The first cookie cutter at I-30 is almost entirely gone now, replaced by a new interchange as part of the LBJ East project. I'm not aware of any plans to replace the other four cookie cutters.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on February 27, 2024, 09:16:20 PM
The new I-30/I-635 interchange will have higher traffic capacities on the ramps as well as accommodating the wider main lane roadways of both freeways. However, it is not much of a visual upgrade over the old "cookie cutter" interchange. All the new directional ramp bridges have a very blocky, Stonehenge appearance (like so many other stack interchanges in Texas).

Dallas-Fort Worth seems like a big enough metro to be worthy enough for some interchanges featuring cast-segmental ramp bridges. Those kinds of bridges are more visually pleasing. They have fluid curves and need fewer support pylons. Phoenix has several stack interchanges built in that fashion. The High Five interchange (I-635 & US-75) is the only one in the Metroplex with any bridge segments featuring a cast-segmental design. But that's only in the middle of the interchange -where engineers were forced to use that method because the support pylons had to be spaced so far apart. The rest of the High-Five interchange is the usual Stonehenge stuff. I suppose it has something to do with cost cutting.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on February 27, 2024, 09:38:43 PM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 27, 2024, 09:16:20 PM
I suppose it has something to do with cost cutting.

The lack of precast segmental and cast-in-place concrete in Texas has everything to do with cost. With a new interchange built with lowest-cost techniques costing around $500 million (the $440 million is an estimate, and there are other expenses before construction), there just isn't money available for more expensive designs. I think Texas-style interchanges can be reasonably attractive if they include architectural enhancements, as has been standard in Houston for the last 25 years. But I do agree that many un-enhanced interchanges and ramps in DFW, especially associated with toll roads, are very ugly.

I don't know if those locations you mention in Phoenix have an earthquake risk. Of course California must use cast-in-place concrete due to earthquake risk. But you may have noticed that it has been a very long time since a full interchange was built in California. I'm thinking at least 20 years(?) (I'm aware of a few ramps being built, but not full interchanges.)

I have wondered how much it would cost to build an interchange like the interchanges along I-105 (Century Freeway) in Los Angeles. I'm thinking around $1.5 billion. Which explains why we may never see another one built in California, unless there is an earthquake which destroys an interchange, necessitating replacement.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Bobby5280 on February 27, 2024, 10:30:34 PM
Some of the interchanges in Phoenix are somewhat recent builds, such as the I-10/Loop 303 interchange. Interchanges in Las Vegas are getting similar treatment. The flyover ramp bridges look nice. They're not clunky looking.

I can't begin to understand just what the hell is happening in California. The state has, by far, the highest gasoline prices in the nation. But it seems clear the state is diverting most of that gasoline tax revenue to other efforts (or just letting it get burned up in the "general fund"). California's highways are deteriorating. And their highway signs often look revolting, both in terms of layout composition and general poor condition of the sign. It's a 180° swing from my childhood experiences riding in the car with my parents thru parts of Southern California. Back in the 1970's and early 1980's California's highways were state of the art. Now they look like shit. But I guess that's part of the whole anti-car agenda out there. Never mind the fact you still need a freaking vehicle to survive there.

Speaking of earthquake risk, DFW is in close proximity to Oklahoma. We've had some pretty strong earthquakes here. There was a 5.1 quake near OKC on Feb 3. Many people believe the fracking practices of the oil industry have caused all these new quakes. Plenty of fracking goes on in Texas too.

Another thing I wonder about, as to why we don't see these more graceful looking freeway interchanges built in Texas: the geology. Maybe the bedrock in Arizona and Nevada is a lot more solid and supportive of such interchanges. North-Central Texas and much of Oklahoma is notorious for having a lot of red clay soil, which is less stable. Still, these bridge pylons have to be extended deep in the ground regardless of what kinds of soil is present near the surface.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: -- US 175 -- on February 28, 2024, 05:40:10 AM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on February 27, 2024, 08:06:26 PM
Quote from: Chris on February 27, 2024, 03:29:51 PM
https://www.keepitmovingdallas.com/projects/us-highways/us80-spur557

A public hearing was held for the six lane expansion of US 80 and Spur 557 near Forney (east of Dallas).


On a related note for US 80, rebuilding the interchange at I-635 is scheduled to receive bids in July (https://tableau.txdot.gov/views/ProjectInformationDashboard/ProjectInformationDashboard?%3Aembed=y&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y&%3Aorigin=card_share_link). The estimated cost is $440 million.

The interchange is proceeding before the planned expansion in Dallas County, and is sooner than I expected. I suppose it is ready for construction, whereas other projects are not.

A meeting (https://www.txdot.gov/business/peps/opportunities/meetings/pre-rfp-meeting-construction-engineering-inspection-services-ih635us80-interchange-dallas-county.html) to solicit an inspection contractor was held today.

This interchange is the second of the six interchanges which I call the "cookie cutter" interchanges in the DFW Freeways book (http://dfwfreeways.com/book/ExCookieCutter?startOdd=False). These six interchanges along I-635 have a nearly identical design, all with the central double-T pylon. The first cookie cutter at I-30 is almost entirely gone now, replaced by a new interchange as part of the LBJ East project. I'm not aware of any plans to replace the other four cookie cutters.

The US 175/I-20/I-635 interchange is on the Project Tracker list.  Whatever will be done, has a listed budget/cost of $200 million.  The project extent spans from the Edd Rd. exit to the Masters Rd. exit.  The listing isn't specific, but my guess is that the project may include long advance ramps to connect to I-20 as well as a separate ramp to connect to I-635.  If so, this would cut back quite a bit on the weaving and last-minute decisions made between US 175, I-635, and each direction of I-20.  I'm not sure about any timelines, but with the AADT of US 175 approaching the interchange, I'm sure that the sooner any work can be done, the better (pending funding, of course).
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Stephane Dumas on February 28, 2024, 06:56:01 AM
Quote from: Bobby5280 on February 27, 2024, 10:30:34 PM

Speaking of earthquake risk, DFW is in close proximity to Oklahoma. We've had some pretty earthquakes here. There was a 5.1 quake near OKC on Feb 3. Many people believe the fracking practices of the oil industry have caused all these new quakes. Plenty of fracking goes on in Texas too.

Another thing I wonder about, as to why we don't see these more graceful looking freeway interchanges built in Texas: the geology. Maybe the bedrock in Arizona and Nevada is a lot more solid and supportive of such interchanges. North-Central Texas and much of Oklahoma is notorious for having a lot of red clay soil, which is less stable. Still, these bridge pylons have to be extended deep in the ground regardless of what kinds of soil is present near the surface.

Speaking of geology, isn't the DFW area close to the Balcones Escarpment (Wikipedia refers it as Belcones Fault)? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balcones_Fault
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: J N Winkler on February 28, 2024, 11:45:47 PM
Regarding the use or otherwise of precast segmental bridges for direct connectors in stack interchanges, I wonder if a shortage of suitable locations for casting yards may be a factor in the lack of such structures in Dallas.  The High Five replaced a directional interchange that had a large footprint and what appeared (in 2001 aerial imagery) to be unused land adjacent to the southeast quadrant, so it was not difficult to locate a yard near the construction site.

Most of the Arizona stacks were partial greenfield construction since at each location, just one of the crossing freeways already existed (I-17 at Loop 101, US 60 at Loop 202, I-10 at Loops 202 and 303).  I-10/I-17 is the main exception to this general observation, and its flyovers use steel I-beam girders.  The others all use concrete.  This said, unlike the case at the High Five, they also maintain an uniform cross-section without haunching at piers, though at I-10/Loop 303 superstructure depth increases to accommodate wider spacing between piers within the interchange core.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Road Hog on February 29, 2024, 12:49:54 AM
There are escarpments in the DFW area but they tend to be known by different names depending on the location. They likely are all related to the Balcones formation. The underlying surface is the Eagle Ford shale, which in some locales makes for good fracking but for others makes some horrible foundations for homes.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Plutonic Panda on March 03, 2024, 05:05:35 PM
Quote from: MaxConcrete on February 27, 2024, 09:38:43 PM
I have wondered how much it would cost to build an interchange like the interchanges along I-105 (Century Freeway) in Los Angeles. I'm thinking around $1.5 billion. Which explains why we may never see another one built in California, unless there is an earthquake which destroys an interchange, necessitating replacement.
True but it is worth noting California could easily do it if they had the will. Even at $2 a pop they hey could easily afford it with SB-1 providing tens of billions it's about priority. And given LA's recent anti freeway positions maybe just modernizing them could be in store. With less money spent on widening and new freeways there's more for existing interchange rebuilds and I can think of several off hand that need it.

I-605 and I-710 interchanges on the 5. These are planned to be rebuilt but IIRC it's like 20 or so years out. Absolutely ridiculous.

The 405/101 interchange.

Tons of missing connections like a NB 101 to EB 134 connector.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: armadillo speedbump on March 03, 2024, 10:17:00 PM
The 170 freeway was open westbound today from west of US 377 (Roanoke) to I-35W.  Eastbound traffic was still on the feeder road but will surely open soon.  The wb to sb direct connector was also open.

In contrast, the TXDOT Hwy 156 (Blue Mound Road) project from US 287 to almost I-820 doesn't seem to have made any visible progress since before Thanksgiving.  The widening has looked complete for the entire length but there are still cones closing off 1 of the 2 lanes each way.  It appears they will wait to open those lanes until the replacement traffic signals changeover is complete.  Which seems stupid to keep everyone stuck in 1 lane traffic, backed up most of the day during the week.  I don't recall noticing changes to or new movements that the existing signals wouldn't have already been handling.

Actually there was 1 change I noticed.  They finally wised up and moved the cones over just enough to form a (short) right turn lane northbound at the Harmon Rd light.  How about just move all the damn cones the entire length (and there's a right turn lane already built, but it was coned off, too).  They can always temporarily block a lane on the very rare days that they need to do some more work.

I'd guess that perhaps the good weather allowed most of the contractors to finish early, but we're creeping up on 4 months now of appearing to be finished.   This is one of those infuriating projects that feels like it has taken forever, with only occasional spurts of work.  Probably budgeted a little bit here a little there each year.  There is a long bridge over flood prone areas/maybe wetlands, but nothing else really complex.

Back to good news, the Alliance HEB on Heritage Trace Pkwy east of I-35W is looking mostly complete.  I'd guess they'll meet their Spring 2024 opening goal.

Construction work to add a 3rd free lane is now visible on I-820 between 121 and I-35W. Once complete the 3rd lane will make a huge difference.

It sure is nice to drive I-35W again now that the work north of I-820 is complete (I've only gone as far north as Westport).  Still some backups sb at the 287 merge, but nothing like the cattle chute runs during construction.  I would not be surprised if at the next measuring date they meet the traffic threshold to trigger adding a 3rd free lane, just like what happened with I-820.

That weird 3rd lane each way on 121 north of 183 in Euless, that had the green or red x and restricted use to just a few hours a day (which most ignored) seems to have been converted to a regular lane now.  There are signs stating it is open for use and they restriped the segment where that extra left lane ended and the right lane from the Industrial on ramp began, eliminating that ridiculous forced lane shift.  Now it's striped to flow all the way as a normal fwy.  I never heard the actual story of why it was originally built so stupidly.  I'd guess a stipulation inside some fed funding restricting its use to rush hour or some such nonsense, maybe an HOV lane but I don't recall that.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: Chris on March 04, 2024, 05:24:36 AM
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on March 03, 2024, 10:17:00 PM
The 170 freeway was open westbound today from west of US 377 (Roanoke) to I-35W.  Eastbound traffic was still on the feeder road but will surely open soon.  The wb to sb direct connector was also open.

So this news release is not correct?

https://www.trophyclub.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=685

Weather permitting, the new main lanes of State Highway 170 between Old Denton Road and State Highway 114 are scheduled to open to traffic on Tuesday, February 6th, 2024. Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), with available funding at the time, constructed an interim project consisting of operational improvements and discontinuous main lanes in three segments.  As that interim project was wrapping up last summer, additional funding became available that allowed TxDOT to complete the ultimate configuration to fill the gaps between these segments and provide continuous main lanes for the entire 6 miles of SH 170 from I-35W to SH 114.

OpenStreetMap also doesn't have the eastbound main lanes open.
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: BJ59 on March 04, 2024, 06:06:43 PM
Quote from: armadillo speedbump on March 03, 2024, 10:17:00 PM
The 170 freeway was open westbound today from west of US 377 (Roanoke) to I-35W.  Eastbound traffic was still on the feeder road but will surely open soon.  The wb to sb direct connector was also open.


I was just about to ask when the 170 project would be finished. Thanks for the update.

Quote from: armadillo speedbump on March 03, 2024, 10:17:00 PM
It sure is nice to drive I-35W again now that the work north of I-820 is complete (I've only gone as far north as Westport).  Still some backups sb at the 287 merge, but nothing like the cattle chute runs during construction.  I would not be surprised if at the next measuring date they meet the traffic threshold to trigger adding a 3rd free lane, just like what happened with I-820.

It says on the TxDOT website that the I-35W corridor north of Fort Worth can be expanded up to 8 mainlanes and 6 Texpress Lanes.
"TxDOT has environmentally cleared I-35W from I-30 to Eagle Parkway to ultimately widen the corridor up to eight mainlanes plus up to six TEXpress
Lanes for future traffic volumes."

I find this hard to believe. I think at max they can expand to 6 mainlanes and 4 Texpress Lanes. Any of yall have an opinion?
Title: Re: DFW Projects Thread
Post by: MaxConcrete on March 04, 2024, 07:28:01 PM
Quote from: BJ59 on March 04, 2024, 06:06:43 PM

It says on the TxDOT website that the I-35W corridor north of Fort Worth can be expanded up to 8 mainlanes and 6 Texpress Lanes.
"TxDOT has environmentally cleared I-35W from I-30 to Eagle Parkway to ultimately widen the corridor up to eight mainlanes plus up to six TEXpress
Lanes for future traffic volumes."

I find this hard to believe. I think at max they can expand to 6 mainlanes and 4 Texpress Lanes. Any of yall have an opinion?

I don't have time to search for that TxDOT page to study the context. My understanding of the ultimate plan is 8 main lanes between downtown Fort Worth and the US 287 split. Currently it has 4 main lanes. North of US 287, my understanding is 6 main lanes. For Texpress lanes, my understanding is a maximum of 4 lanes, which already exist.

I agree with you that the statement almost surely is not accurate for that section of I-35W. The only freeway designed for 6 Texpress lanes is US 183/SH 121 from Loop 820 to the SH 121 split.

So it sounds like the statement you found mentions the maximum number of lanes anywhere on the Texpress system, but none of the sections are designed to have 8 main lanes and 6 Texpress lanes.