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Click the categories below to reveal some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have other questions you would like addressed, please click here.
What is the scope of the North Tarrant Express (NTE) project?
 This 13.5-mile, $2.5 billion project will rebuild the IH 820 and SH 121/SH 183 (Airport Freeway) corridor in Northeast Tarrant County. Improvements to be made as part of this project include rebuilding the general purpose/main lanes, improving/expanding the frontage lanes, and adding four tolled managed lanes.
What are the goals of the NTE project?
The NTE project will provide relief from traffic congestion and bottlenecks along one of the most critical highway corridors in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. These improvements will enhance the safety and reliability of this highway system, while lessening environmental impacts resulting from traffic gridlock.
Who is the developer of the NTE project?
NTE Mobility Partners is designing, building, financing, operating and maintaining the NTE, working in close collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation and the local communities. NTE Mobility Partners represents a consortium of companies, including Cintra US, a world leader in private-sector development of transportation infrastructure; Meridiam Infrastructure, a global public-private partnership investor/developer of private facilities; the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System, the first U.S. pension fund in the country to invest in the building and maintenance of a major toll road project like NTE; and W.W. Webber LLC, a leading Texas construction company.
Who owns the NTE project?
The State of Texas is the project's owner. NTE Mobility Partners has entered into a lease agreement with the state to improve and expand the NTE, as well as operate and maintain it according to rigorous standards set by the state. Once the lease ends, TxDOT will resume the operation and maintenance of the roadway
What is the expected timeline of the NTE project?
Construction began in October 2010, with completion expected by mid-2015.
Our plan is to prioritize each individual phase of the NTE project to open as soon as possible, so that we can deliver a new transportation network, relieving existing congestion and improving safety and air quality.
Will all segments of the 13.5-mile corridor be under construction at the same time?
Yes. In order for us to meet the project deadline of 2015, there will be construction throughout the entire corridor.
NTE Mobility Partners is highly sensitive to regional concerns with concurrent construction projects, especially those affecting entrances to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Our commitment is to ensure as minimal an impact on traffic operations as possible and to minimize disruptions to businesses and residents along the corridor.
What precautions will be taken to minimize traffic delays?
To guarantee the safety of the public, we have carefully and thoughtfully developed a construction staging and traffic management design to provide to provide for the safe and steady flow of traffic through the project area.
Our traffic control plans also incorporate traffic control devices to route traffic safely and at a controlled speed around construction areas. The project is in close coordination with traffic planners for all the cities in the area to ensure nearby traffic signals are timed to assist motorists in the construction area. This will keep drivers safe and reduce the impact of traffic on residents and businesses located near the project area.
What are TEXpress lanes?
TEXpress Lanes are tolled lanes built within a highway corridor that use dynamic, congestion-management pricing to provide extra capacity, efficiently handle more traffic volume, and maintain a minimum 50 mph rate of travel.
How are highways with TEXpress lanes different than toll roads?
A toll road, like the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) or the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT), charges a fixed or scheduled rate for the use of the road. Additionally, toll roads do not generally predict travel times or ensure that traffic will keep moving as do the TEXpress Lanes.
TEXpress Lanes are designated express lanes within highway corridors with prices that fluctuate based on supply and demand to prevent congestion.
Equipment monitoring real-time traffic conditions will periodically adjust the prices throughout the day based upon the average speed and number of drivers who want to use the TEXpress Lanes. Prices may go up or down, depending upon the amount of traffic and the time of day, but customers are notified of the price they will pay prior to entering any segment of the TEXpress lanes.
Prices will be lower during non-peak driving times. The variable pricing ensures you a predictable, higher-speed commute.
Will I have to pay a toll to drive on the North Tarrant Express or other highways with TEXpress lanes?
No. You may choose to drive on the reconstructed general highway lanes at no cost or, depending on traffic conditions, your schedule, and your budget, you can choose to take the adjacent tolled TEXpress lanes.
Where are TEXpress lanes being utilized in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Currently, TEXpress lanes are being constructed on four major Dallas/Fort Worth corridors in addition to the North Tarrant Express: - North Tarrant Express (I-820, SH 121/183)
- LBJ Express (I-635)
- DFW Connector (SH-121 and SH-114)
- I-35E
- I-35W
Who can use the TEXpress lanes?
Anyone can use TEXpress Lanes, including local drivers, commuters and out-of-town travelers. Drivers can use any Texas toll tag (TxDOT’s TxTag, NTTA’s TollTag, or HCTRA’s EZPass) or, alternately, pay by mail for an additional surcharge.
How will I know what the current toll prices are so I can decide whether to use the TEXpress lanes?
Current prices are clearly displayed on signs in advance of each segment entry point. You will see separate rates for both pre-registered HOV 2+ users and single occupancy vehicles on all signs.
What is the economic impact of the NTE project?
The NTE Mobility Partners consortium has a long-term commitment to the state of Texas and is already employing more than 2,000 Texans. There are more than 100 North Texas and statewide companies and their employees working on the project, including 90 Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs).
How do I find out about job opportunities on the NTE project?
We encourage you to visit the "About the NTE" section of our web site and click on "Job Opportunities," where we post and update job listings and provide specific information on how to apply for a position.
I have my own business and would liike to be considered as a contractor or vendor on the project. Who do I contact?
We encourage all interested parties to register their companies and their credentials for consideration in our Registered Vendor Database by visiting the "About the NTE" section of our web site and clicking on "Bid Opportunities." We regularly post and update bid opportunities.
What are the opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) on the NTE project?
The North Tarrant Express has a DBE participation goal based on its Comprehensive Development Agreement with TxDOT. For more information on DBE requirements, please visit the "About the NTE" section of our web site and click on "Bid Opportunities." We encourage DBE firms to register on our Registered Vendor Database.
How can I get more information about the project?
There are many different ways to get information about the project: - Visit the project web site regularly for updates
- Subscribe for regular project updates and traffic alerts (visit the web site and click on "Get E-alerts")
- Call our toll-free information hotline at 1-888-NTE-2015 (1-888-683-2015)
- Visit our Information Center, located at 8713 Airport Freeway, Suite 100, in North Richland Hills (open Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
- Schedule a speaker for your business group, civic group or neighborhood association.
How do I communicate comments or concerns about the project?
We invite your feedback on this important project. Please visit our project web site and click on "Contact Us" to submit any questions or comments. You can also submit comments or questions at any time during the project, either in person, by phone or US mail to:
NTE Mobility Partners
8713 Airport Freeway, Suite 100
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
Phone: 888-NTE-2015
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