VPP Projects Involving Tolls
Category: Priced Lanes
Sub-Category: Express Toll Lanes

Project - TEXAS: Express Toll Lanes on the LBJ Freeway in Dallas

The LBJ Freeway (I-635) is the major circumferential roadway in the Dallas region. The total length of the corridor is 21 miles. Traffic on certain portions of the LBJ Freeway is heavily congested for many hours of each day, approaching 270,000 vehicles a day at select locations. The major attractors in this portion of the Dallas/Fort Worth region include regional malls, thriving business districts, and adjacent residential communities. Currently, the West Section facility consists of eight general-purpose lanes and one HOV lane in each direction. The facility will be upgraded with up to six managed lanes (three in each direction). The proposed lane configuration would vary - the West Section will have six express lanes, the East Section from US-75 to I-30 would vary from having four express lanes (two in each direction) to having two reversible lanes to I-30. The LBJ express lane project design uses variable tolling to provide free-flowing traffic conditions and connections to transit centers to support Bus Rapid Transit (BRT). The West Section is being actively implemented as a "Comprehensive Development Agreement" (CDA) geared toward a concession approach and the East Section is being deferred until seed funds become available.

Project Status

This project did not receive any direct Value Pricing Pilot (VPP) program funds; however Texas DOT received tolling authority through the Express Lane Demonstration (ELD) program in the form of an executed agreement on March 18, 2009. The original application was submitted to FHWA on September 18, 2007.

Notice to proceed was given in December 2010 and construction began January 2011. Construction has progressed 12 percent and include utility relocations, drainage, bridge substructure and superstructure, sound walls, retaining walls and earthwork. The project design has progressed to 70 percent.

A key aspect of the approved project is that the two sections of the east-bound and west- bound express lanes will be located below grade in some combination of u-wall, cantilevered, or straddle segments to maintain Texas DOT's and the region's commitment to "No Higher, No Wider" than what has been previously approved in the public involvement phase. Additional project information can be found by entering a search for "IH 635 Managed Lanes Project" at the project web site: http://www.txdot.gov and also at http://www.lbjexpress.com.

For More Information Contact

Maurice Pittman, P.E.
DFW CDA/Tollway Office
Phone: (214) 716-1605
E-mail: maurice.pittman@txdot.gov

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