Eastern extension of George Bush Turnpike now fully under construction

by Staff of of McKinneyNews.net

All sections of the President George Bush Turnpike Eastern Extension (PGBT EE) are now under construction as contractors turned dirt on the final section of the roadway Monday.

"This is a major milestone in delivering this critical mobility project to the region," said NTTA Director of Project Delivery Elizabeth Mow. "When finished, the Eastern Extension will not only improve mobility and reduce congestion, but also improve air quality and provide enhanced safety for motorists."

Earlier this month, a "notice to proceed" was given on the final section - Section 31 - which is the area in Rowlett south of Main Street that runs to Lake Ray Hubbard's north shore. Contractors for Sections 28 in Garland and 29 in Sachse and Rowlett received notices to proceed in January and were green-lighted to begin work last month. Work is also already underway on Section 30, also in Rowlett. Section 32, the bridge over Dallas' Lake Ray Hubbard to Interstate 30 (IH 30), is also underway and is being constructed by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

The announcement that all sections are under construction comes at a crucial time given a new national traffic study that recently named Dallas-Fort Worth as the fourth most congested Metropolitan area in the country.

When completed, the 9.9-mile segment will extend the PGBT from SH 78 in Garland east and south to IH 30. The six-lane toll road will pass through Garland, Sachse and Rowlett and will include the one-mile bridge over Dallas' Lake Ray Hubbard.

The PGBT EE is a joint project of the NTTA and the TxDOT, which is constructing Section 32. The project is expected to open in late 2011.

• Staff
• Verified User
• Anonymous