LBJ Expressway Construction Update for North Texas Drivers.
Our Keller Williams office hosted the North Dallas MLS meeting this morning. Diane Ledford arranged to get Andy Ritter, Director of Corporate Affairs for the LBJ Infrastructure Group, LLC to speak.
Here is some interesting information from Andy's presentation:
- When LBJ Freeway, also known as 635, opened in 1969, it handled 180,000 cars per day. By 2009, there were 270,000 cars per day.
- By December, 2013, the Montfort Road to Greenville Avenue portion of the construction will be completed.
- All construction is scheduled to be completed by 2016.
- Even though construction will be over, this is a 52 year project. Control returns to the Department of Transportation in 2061. Until then, his company will maintain the structures and pavement, respond to accidents and provide motor vehicle assistance.
- Construction costs are estimated at $2.7Billion.
- There are 5-6 accidents or breakdowns per day on LBJ.
- The amount of the tolls on the toll lanes will be variable and based on demand. As demand increases, the price to ride on the toll portions will increase.
- If speeds drop below 50 mph on the toll portion, the developer will incur penalties.
- The toll lanes will be in the center of the highway, with elevated non-toll lanes to each side.
- Several overpasses have already been completed and are open, including the Joe Ratliff bridge and Welch Road.
- Underpasses (like at Midway Road) will take longer to complete.
- The ramps at Hillcrest Road are now permanently closed.
There is a wealth of information on the website and you can even sign up for text alerts to your cell phone. Check out the detour maps and follow the progress.
This much-needed widening project will alleviate traffic problems along the east-west portion of LBJ. Until then, think about taking the surface streets!
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