SH 360 Expansion- Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Mansfield
SH 360 is What’s Happening!
If you haven’t heard by now, State Highway 360 is undergoing construction. It appears NTTA and the Texas Transportation Commission have come to a groundbreaking agreement to expand SH 360!
Is That A Good Thing?
This is great because it will make maneuvering through cities: Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Mansfield a summer’s breeze. In 2016 traffic is said to have increased significantly by “52,000 daily drivers in the 9.7-mile corridor”, and is predicted to increase even more by the year 2030 to “174,000 daily drivers”. (Reginald Lewis- Office of Communications, http://www.arlington-tx.gov, 2016). Which means they are somewhat ahead of predictions as the original anticipation was complete by December 2017. However, the projected completion date is now Spring 2018. We learned the new information by contacting the Texas Department of Transportation. As a result, we were welcomed to contact Tony Payberah, P.E. Texas Department of Transportation by either e-mailing: [email protected] or calling Phone: (817) 225-4630, and he guaranteed that we could receive up-to-date information about the status of construction.
Is It a Tollway?
Per the North Texas Toll Authority “Under the terms of the MOU, TxDOT will finance and build the project, while the NTTA will own, operate and maintain the project once construction is complete” (www.ntta.org, 2016). So, the answer to this question is: Yes, the 9.7-mile corridor from Green Oaks Boulevard to US 287 will be a tollway. Although the first page of this project will be funded by the Texas Department of Transportation (Arlington-tx.gov)
Expansion Includes
- Four-lane toll road between the existing SH 360 frontage roads
- 9.7-mile corridor from Green Oaks Boulevard to US 287
- Continuous non-tolled frontage roads
- US 287 north and southbound mainline bridges over SH 360
- Cross street improvements to allow for safer and easier traffic flow
- A portion of the US 287 northbound frontage roads and ramps
The city of Arlington will be contributing to repair some roadways of their own along the expansion way. As stated by the Arlington Office of Commissions:
In addition to the $330 million being paid by TxDOT, the City of Arlington is providing $1.1 million for intersection improvements on Webb Lynn Road, Sublett Road, Debbie Lane and New York Avenue. An additional $3.2 in funding from the 2014 Bond Election will help realign the New York Avenue/ Eden Road intersection (arlington-tx.gov, 2015).
Tri-City Residents
This is more than just a traffic solution, it can potentially mean more commerce. Big business and retail giants, better restaurants. New residential communities, and a variety of employment opportunities. There is no doubt that Arlington, Grand Prairie, and Mansfield are on the rise to being at the top of the list for some of the best places to live. So, get ready! The SH 360 expansion is not only vital for a smooth commute but a key element to a flourishing economy!
