North Texas, January 30, 2026
North Texas is experiencing a wave of highway construction aimed at improving traffic flow and safety, accommodating the area’s rapid population growth. Significant projects like the I-30/Texas 360 interchange overhaul, Dallas North Tollway extension, and the Chisholm Trail Parkway are reshaping the transportation landscape, boosting regional connectivity, and supporting economic development.
Major Highway Construction Projects Transforming North Texas Infrastructure
Dallas, Texas – North Texas is undergoing significant highway construction projects aimed at enhancing traffic flow, safety, and accommodating rapid population growth. These initiatives are reshaping the region’s transportation landscape, with several key projects currently underway or recently completed.
I-30/Texas 360 Interchange Overhaul in Arlington
The $233 million I-30/Texas 360 interchange project, initiated in 2016 and completed in 2024, replaced the outdated “cloverleaf” design with a modern direct-connect interchange system. This overhaul has significantly improved traffic efficiency between Fort Worth and Dallas, reducing congestion and travel times for commuters.
Chisholm Trail Parkway in Fort Worth
Completed in 2014, the $1.4 billion Chisholm Trail Parkway toll road spans 27 miles, connecting downtown Fort Worth to Cleburne. This project has provided a faster route for travelers and has been instrumental in supporting the region’s economic growth by facilitating smoother transportation of goods and services.
Dallas North Tollway Extension
The Dallas North Tollway, a vital corridor in North Texas, has been progressively extended northward. The most recent extension, approved in December 2023, will add six miles from U.S. 380 to Farm-to-Market Road 428, passing through Prosper and Celina. This expansion is expected to be open to traffic by 2027, further enhancing connectivity in the rapidly growing northern suburbs.
North Tarrant Express (NTE) Project
The North Tarrant Express, a 13-mile corridor across six cities in Northeast Tarrant County, became the first public-private partnership (P3) highway project approved in Texas. Construction began in late 2009, and the entire corridor opened to the public on October 4, 2014, nine months ahead of schedule. The project features rebuilt general-purpose lanes, new TEXpress dynamically tolled lanes, and expanded frontage roads, significantly improving mobility and reducing congestion in the area.
I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) Program
The I-35 NEX Program covers approximately 20 miles of I-35 from N. Walters Street to FM 1103 in Bexar, Comal, and Guadalupe Counties. The program involves the construction of two elevated structures that will carry two general-purpose lanes and one high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane in each direction. This expansion aims to improve safety and mobility while reducing commute times for the estimated 130,000 vehicles traveling on the 19.5 miles of roadway each day. The project is expected to be completed in phases, with the entire program anticipated to be finished by 2027.
US 380 Improvement Project
The US 380 Improvement Project is designed to reduce congestion, enhance road safety, and support future growth. The main improvements include widening US 380 from four to six lanes with a curbed median, constructing grade separations (overpasses) to separate local and highway traffic, adding continuous frontage roads to improve business and residential access, and improving pedestrian access with enhanced sidewalks and crossings. Construction is expected to continue through Spring 2026, with key locations affected including Little Elm, Prosper, Frisco, and McKinney.
Harbor Bridge Project in Corpus Christi
The Harbor Bridge Project, a $1.2 billion initiative, replaced the former through arch bridge that crosses the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The new cable-stayed bridge, which opened on June 28, 2025, serves as a critical link for the Port of Corpus Christi, facilitating the efficient movement of goods and supporting the region’s economic development.
183 North Mobility Project in Austin
The 183 North Mobility Project, a $612 million initiative, aims to improve mobility, reduce congestion, and provide more reliable travel times for transit and emergency responders along US 183 between State Highway 45 North and Loop 1 (MoPac). Construction began in spring 2022 and is expected to last just over four years, with completion targeted in 2026. The project is being constructed in phases to minimize disruptions to traffic flow.
Bonnie Brae Street Expansion in Denton
The Bonnie Brae Street expansion project in Denton began in January 2025 and is expected to be completed by June 2026. The work includes the installation of underground utilities and expanding the road to a four-lane divided highway. Vehicular and pedestrian traffic will be intermittently disrupted throughout the duration of the project, which aims to enhance the flow of traffic and reduce future congestion.
Northaven Trail Expansion in Dallas
The Northaven Trail, a 9.3-mile hike/bike commuter and recreational trail in Dallas, expanded eastward in 2023 with the construction of the first pedestrian bridge over Central Expressway. This bridge, often referred to as the “Low Five,” connects the Northaven Trail to the White Rock Creek Trail, SoPac Trail, and Cottonwood Creek Trail on the east side of Central Expressway. The expansion enhances cross-city connectivity and regional trail development, promoting alternative transportation options and recreational opportunities for residents.
Horseshoe Project in Dallas
The Horseshoe Project was a $798 million highway project that upgraded the congested Mix Master interchange in Downtown Dallas, connecting Interstate 35E (I-35E) and Interstate 30 (I-30). Construction began in the spring of 2013 and ended in 2017. The project included the construction of the Margaret McDermott Bridge, partially designed by Spanish civil engineer and architect Santiago Calatrava, providing a modernized and efficient interchange system to alleviate traffic congestion in the area.
US 75 Widening Project in Van Alstyne
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began a project to widen US 75 in Van Alstyne in May 2025. The project aims to expand the highway from four to six lanes from the Collin County line to FM 902. Additionally, the access roads will be repaved and converted from two-way operation to one-way only. The construction is expected to continue through 2026, with minimal disruption to traffic during peak hours.
Future Outlook
These extensive highway construction projects reflect North Texas’s commitment to improving transportation infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population and economy. While they may cause temporary disruptions, the long-term benefits include reduced congestion, enhanced safety, and more efficient travel for residents and businesses alike.
Key Features of North Texas Highway Projects
| Project Name | Location | Investment | Completion Year | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I-30/Texas 360 Interchange | Arlington | $233 million | 2024 | Modern direct-connect interchange |
| Chisholm Trail Parkway | Fort Worth | $1.4 billion | 2014 | Toll road connecting key areas |
| Dallas North Tollway Extension | Prosper, Celina | Not specified | 2027 | Increased connectivity in northern suburbs |
| North Tarrant Express (NTE) | Northeast Tarrant County | Not specified | 2014 | P3 project with new toll lanes |
| I-35 Northeast Expansion (NEX) | Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe Counties | Not specified | 2027 | Improving safety and mobility |
| US 380 Improvement Project | Little Elm, Prosper, Frisco, McKinney | Not specified | 2026 | Widening and enhancements for safety |
| Harbor Bridge Project | Corpus Christi | $1.2 billion | 2025 | New cable-stayed bridge for economic development |
| 183 North Mobility Project | Austin | $612 million | 2026 | Improving transit and emergency response |
| Bonnie Brae Street Expansion | Denton | Not specified | 2026 | Expanding road and improving utilities |
| Northaven Trail Expansion | Dallas | Not specified | 2023 | Enhanced connectivity for trails |
| Horseshoe Project | Dallas | $798 million | 2017 | Upgrade to major interchange |
| US 75 Widening Project | Van Alstyne | Not specified | 2026 | Widening and access road updates |
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