ARTICLE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Robert Hinkle, NTE Mobility Partners, (682) 334-5481 NORTH TARRANT EXPRESS COMPLETION ON THE HORIZON WITH OPENING ANTICIPATED BY YEAR-END Project at least six months ahead of schedule NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – February 21, 2014 – The 13.3-mile North Tarrant Express (NTE), a $2.5 billion highway reconstruction project, is scheduled to open by the end of 2014, at least six months ahead of schedule. NTE Mobility Partners, the project developer, made the announcement at today’s Northeast Tarrant Transportation Summit in Hurst. “The goal line is within sight on this project,” said Robert Hinkle, director of corporate affairs for NTE Mobility Partners. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the opening of new pavement, frontage roads and on- and-off-ramps over the last few months, and we look forward to delivering this fully rebuilt and expanded highway to the driving public ahead of schedule.” The five-year project, which began in late 2010, has included the reconstruction of expanded frontage lanes and main lanes and the addition of TEXpress managed lanes, along IH 820 and SH 121/183 between IH 35W in Fort Worth and Industrial Boulevard in Euless. In addition to future business potential and the current economic impact—the project has 2,200 people working along the corridor—the NTE project will have a dramatic impact on mobility in the Northeast Tarrant County region. The NTE project will nearly double the road capacity with the addition of four TEXpress lanes throughout the length of corridor. Drivers will have the option to travel along the newly rebuilt general highway lanes and frontage roads at no charge, or enter the TEXpress Lanes, which feature variable tolling with the objective of maintaining a minimum rate of speed of 50 mph. “The TEXpress lanes concept is new to Texas and this region, so it’s important that drivers understand how they operate,” Hinkle said. Extensive signage, including dedicated entrance and exit ramps, will guide drivers safely on and off each segment. Toll rates will be clearly marked at each entrance ramp so drivers can decide if they want to pay to take the TEXpress lanes or use the general highway lanes. Once drivers enter the TEXpress lanes, the toll rate they see will not change. Sensors along the roadway will transmit information about the volume of cars and level of congestion; tolls will be recalibrated as often as every five minutes to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. “This is truly groundbreaking technology that represents the next generation of effective traffic management,” said Hinkle. He added that the TEXpress lanes will likely be utilized most by longer-distance commuters. “If you’re in Fort Worth and want to get to DFW Airport or Dallas in the most direct and time-efficient way, the TEXpress lanes are a great option.” TEXpress lanes will also be added to Interstate 35W from downtown Fort Worth to the US 287 interchange. NTE Mobility Partners is the developer on the southern section of Interstate 35W, from Interstate 30 near downtown to just north of the Interstate 820 interchange. Pre-construction activity is now underway along Interstate 35W with completion of the north and south segments expected in 2017. TEXpress Lanes have recently opened along the LBJ Express (Interstate 635) in Dallas and will be opening soon along the DFW Connector, so they will become a regular part of North Texans’ commutes. “This will open up a massive corridor for North Texas drivers,” said Hinkle. “There will be a nearly seamless connection from North Dallas to downtown Fort Worth.” For more information on the North Tarrant Express project, please visit www.northtarrantexpress.com. For information on the NTE TEXpress lanes, please visit www.NTETEXpress.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Robert Hinkle, NTE Mobility Partners, (682) 334-5481
NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – February 21, 2014 – The 13.3-mile North Tarrant Express (NTE), a $2.5 billion highway reconstruction project, is scheduled to open by the end of 2014, at least six months ahead of schedule. NTE Mobility Partners, the project developer, made the announcement at today’s Northeast Tarrant Transportation Summit in Hurst.
“The goal line is within sight on this project,” said Robert Hinkle, director of corporate affairs for NTE Mobility Partners. “We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the opening of new pavement, frontage roads and on- and-off-ramps over the last few months, and we look forward to delivering this fully rebuilt and expanded highway to the driving public ahead of schedule.”
The five-year project, which began in late 2010, has included the reconstruction of expanded frontage lanes and main lanes and the addition of TEXpress managed lanes, along IH 820 and SH 121/183 between IH 35W in Fort Worth and Industrial Boulevard in Euless. In addition to future business potential and the current economic impact—the project has 2,200 people working along the corridor—the NTE project will have a dramatic impact on mobility in the Northeast Tarrant County region.
The NTE project will nearly double the road capacity with the addition of four TEXpress lanes throughout the length of corridor. Drivers will have the option to travel along the newly rebuilt general highway lanes and frontage roads at no charge, or enter the TEXpress Lanes, which feature variable tolling with the objective of maintaining a minimum rate of speed of 50 mph.
“The TEXpress lanes concept is new to Texas and this region, so it’s important that drivers understand how they operate,” Hinkle said.
Extensive signage, including dedicated entrance and exit ramps, will guide drivers safely on and off each segment. Toll rates will be clearly marked at each entrance ramp so drivers can decide if they want to pay to take the TEXpress lanes or use the general highway lanes. Once drivers enter the TEXpress lanes, the toll rate they see will not change.
Sensors along the roadway will transmit information about the volume of cars and level of congestion; tolls will be recalibrated as often as every five minutes to ensure the smooth flow of traffic. “This is truly groundbreaking technology that represents the next generation of effective traffic management,” said Hinkle. He added that the TEXpress lanes will likely be utilized most by longer-distance commuters. “If you’re in Fort Worth and want to get to DFW Airport or Dallas in the most direct and time-efficient way, the TEXpress lanes are a great option.”
TEXpress lanes will also be added to Interstate 35W from downtown Fort Worth to the US 287 interchange. NTE Mobility Partners is the developer on the southern section of Interstate 35W, from Interstate 30 near downtown to just north of the Interstate 820 interchange. Pre-construction activity is now underway along Interstate 35W with completion of the north and south segments expected in 2017.
TEXpress Lanes have recently opened along the LBJ Express (Interstate 635) in Dallas and will be opening soon along the DFW Connector, so they will become a regular part of North Texans’ commutes. “This will open up a massive corridor for North Texas drivers,” said Hinkle. “There will be a nearly seamless connection from North Dallas to downtown Fort Worth.”
For more information on the North Tarrant Express project, please visit www.northtarrantexpress.com. For information on the NTE TEXpress lanes, please visit www.NTETEXpress.com.