The Southwest Parkway Moves Forward; Right-of-Way Acquired and Design Nearing Completion

With Southwest Parkway from IH 30 to FM 1187 receiving environmental clearance and the development of the Nature and Character Plan and Corridor Master Plan completed, project development for the SH-121T project has moved into the right-of-way acquisition and final design phase.

In late 2006, the City of Fort Worth completed acquiring most of the right-of-way under its obligation for the Southwest Parkway and demolished the first building to be cleared on the project right-of-way. The City of Fort Worth is responsible for acquiring all right-of-way within the limits of the SH-121T project from IH-30 to Dirks Road/Altamesa Blvd., with the exception of right-of-way at the IH-30 (including the crossing at the Trinity River) and IH-20/SH 183 interchanges, which will be acquired by the Texas Department of Transportation. The City is also in the process of relocating businesses as part of the City’s commitment to clear the necessary right-of-way for the project.

Final design preparation by the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) began in early 2006 and is nearing completion. NTTA is responsible for the design, construction and operation of the Parkway. Through the City’s Project Team and the Citizens’ Advisory Group, the City has been and will continue to be involved in reviewing the final design. Upon completion of the final design package, the City Council will be asked to review it for approval. Once final design is approved by the City for construction, five separate contractor firms will be selected to construct the project from downtown to Dirks Road/Altamesa Boulevard, and construction is scheduled to begin on all five segments of the facility in 2008.

The Parkway will be operated as an “all electronic” toll road with drivers utilizing a “TollTag.” The toll tag can be used on any tolled facility in the NTTA System locally or on any tollway in the State of Texas.

Updates on milestone events relating to the groundbreaking and opening of the SH-121T facility will be posted on the SH-121T project website, including meetings for the Citizens’ Advisory Group. Thank you for visiting the site and check back often for the latest information. We welcome your comments.