The President George Bush Turnpike Western Extension, formerly known as State Highway 161, provides a new, approximately 11.5-mile link in the growing loop around Dallas. The corridor consists of the tolled PGBT Western Extension main lanes and the SH 161 frontage roads. Phase 1, which includes the frontage roads from Carrier Parkway to Interstate 20; Phases 2 and 3 consisting of the tolled main lanes between SH 183 and I-30; and Phase 4 extending from north of I-30 to I-20 are now all open to traffic. The first phase of the Phase 4 project opened to traffic on Oct. 13, 2012.
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Commuters now driving on newest addition to the NTTA family
Southern 6.5 miles of PGBT Western Extension opened on Oct. 13
The newest section of the President George Bush Turnpike Western Extension opened to traffic Saturday, Oct. 13.
The project will open in phases; the first phase was two main lanes in each direction from north of Interstate 30 south to I-20, a four-level interchange connecting I-20 to Western Extension and six of the eight direct-connector ramps and bridges at the I-30 interchange.
The SH 161 toll road (now Western Extension) from the interchange at SH 183 south to Egyptian Way were built under the direction of the Texas Department of Transportation and opened to traffic in August 2009. With the opening of the newest portion of the roadway, the entire length of the PGBT has increased from 40 to 52 miles.
To see a map of the entire Western Extension click here. |
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Remaining phases to open to traffic
Two additional I-30 direct connectors are scheduled to open in early 2013. In addition, the SH 161 frontage road and at-grade railroad crossings between Main and Jefferson streets in Grand Prairie are scheduled to open at the end of the year. |
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 Speed limit on Western Extension
The new extension opened with an interim speed limit of 70 mph. A speed study will be conducted to determine the final speed limit. Lower speed limits in construction areas are posted. |
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Toll rate information
Toll rates for the PGBT Western Extension are posted at NTTA.org. |
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Project Facts
About the newest section of the Western Extension (north of I-30 to I-20)
* Some 800,000 tons of concrete was used to build 6.5 miles of main lanes in both directions, 12 direct-connector ramps and 33 bridges.
* Roughly 7 million pounds of steel was used, the same weight as 6,700 longhorn bulls.
* It took nearly 4 million man-hours to build, the equivalent of 450 years.
* This portion of the roadway was the first design-build project for the NTTA and the largest contract to-date.
* During the 3 ½ years of construction, north Texas fans took two trips to the World Series and hosted one Super Bowl. |
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Opening Day Pictures
Western Extension main lane traffic near Mayfield Road in Grand Prairie
Northbound Western Extension traffic approaching
east- and westbound I-30 direct connectors |
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Touchdown! How 'bout them Cowboys TollTags!
 Dallas Cowboys TollTags are on sale at area Dallas Cowboys Pro Shops and online at www.shopcowboys.com. Supplies are limited, so hurry and be one of the lucky ones with a Dallas Cowboys TollTag. To learn more, watch the Cowboys TollTag video or visit NTTA.org.
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