Public meeting materials (https://www.txdot.gov/projects/hearings-meetings/fort-worth/2024/i820-northwest-loop.html) are posted online.
The existing I-820 freeway is 3x3 with continuous frontage roads except at Lake Worth. Observations:
There are three alternatives being considered
Alt 1: 5-5 with auxiliary lanes
Alt 2: 3-2-2-3, which keeps existing mainline count the same and adds 2x2 express lanes
Alt 3: 4-2-2-4, which adds one general-purpose lane in each direction and adds 2x2 express lanes
The presentation gives alternative 1 the most favorable overall rating.
The SH 199 interchange is the smallest of three designs that were considered in previous studies. Previous study options were
- Extending SH 199 main lanes through the interchange with 8 direct connectors
- Extending SH 199 main lanes through the interchange with 4 direct connectors
- Not extending SH 199 main lanes through the interchange with 4 direct connectors (selected option)
The SH 199 interchange is a disappointment, because traffic connecting to SH 199 inside Loop 820 has to use the SH 199 frontage roads and go through around 6(!) traffic signals. I'm wondering why there is no convenient connection to SH 199 inside Loop 820. Is it lack of expected traffic volume, or local opposition, or a desire to avoid any displacements?
All three alternatives show a diverging diamond interchange for SH 199 at I-820.
There is a long frontage road bypass along I-820 through the SH 199 area.
There are two options for the SH 199 main lanes outside Loop 820
- At-grade with overpasses and elevated connection ramps to I-820
- Below grade, including below-grade connection ramps to I-820. This design is a surprise to me, because I don't see any reason to build the lanes below grade, and the below-grade ramps at I-820 introduce complications.
The recommended alternative is scheduled to be identified in mid 2025, which is soon.
I think both Alternative 1 and 3 are good options. I prefer the at-grade option for SH 199 with elevated connection ramps.
So did they decide that they will build direct connectors but they will dump out onto the frontage roads? Or do they mean that the main lanes will begin North of I-820 but will not provide an overpass to get to SH-199 on the otherside of I-820? (Basically, will there be a freeway on the Northside of I-820 that will connect to the segments over Lake-Worth/Azle)