I-30 Mobility Improvement Project Overview

The I-30 Mobility Task Force seeks to

• facilitate technical meetings during construction,
• keep the public informed about the project’s progress,
• promote safety and mobility during construction, and
• act as the public’s advocate on the project.

The project work includes

• constructing continuous, one-way frontage roads from Cooper Street to Baird Farm Road and Ballpark Way;
• the rebuilding of the I-30 main lanes from Cooper Street to Ballpark Way by depressing the highway through much of this area, building the new Baird Farm Road Bridge; and
• the reconstruction of the FM 157/Collins Street Bridge.

What’s This Project About?

Recognizing the growing transportation needs of the Metroplex, the Regional Transportation Council selected the I-30 Mobility Improvement Project, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began construction in 2007.

The purpose for this project is to improve mobility and reduce congestion. Significant changes in mobility through the I-30 corridor will transform the remaining old Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike landscape into a modern Texas highway with continuous, one-way frontage roads and improved design to improve highway operations.

Users will be able to use a new continuous one-way frontage road system in this area that will include dedicated turnarounds at the new bridges at Center Street and Baird Farm Road and the reconstructed bridge at Collins Street. The one-way frontage road system includes roads that allow users to bypass some signalized intersections reducing travel delay on the frontage road system. The I-30 mainlanes from Cooper Street to Ballpark Way will also be rebuilt with operational improvements for access to and from the Interstate.

HOV Lanes

TxDOT is building high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes from the Dallas County line west toward Center Street. HOV access points will be near Center Street—from the Baird Farm Road bridge reversible-operation access ramp—and near the Dallas County line. The cost of this project is $3 million. When completed the I-30 HOV lane system will span nearly 20 miles from Center Street into the heart of Dallas County near downtown Dallas.

Center Street Bridge

Construction of the new Center Street Bridge began in June 2007 at a cost of $18.6 million. When completed, this bridge will have six lanes plus turnarounds. Center Street from Road to Six Flags Drive to the I-30 bridge will be realigned.

What Is The Schedule?

Construction began in November 2007. Significant project milestones scheduled for substantial completion by May 2009 include

• the new frontage roads (except westbound between Center Street and FM 157/Collins Street),
• eastbound mainlanes,
• a portion of the FM 157/Collins Street widening, and
• the south half of Baird Farm Road bridge with a bridge ramp.

Another significant milestone involves the substantial completion of the remainder of the area within 36 months of project inception.

How Is This Being Paid For?

The combined construction effort will cost $165 million and is planned for completion in 2011. The I-30 Mobility Improvement Project is a cooperative partnership between TxDOT and the City of Arlington. The city provided for right-of-way acquisition, design, and coordination of utility relocation. Federal and state funding covers construction costs, while TxDOT oversees construction. Policy makers in the Metroplex approved regional funding support for this project because of its congestion relief and mobility improvements.

An Eye Toward the Roadside

Beautification efforts designed to increase the visual appeal of the roadway are part of the I-30 Mobility Improvement Project. Murals will grace the retaining walls along the Center and Collins Street bridges. Approximately 20-feet high by 40-feet high, the murals will reflect the history and culture of the local area. There will be an extensive sidewalk system along roadways within the project. Pedestrian amenities include wide pathways and crosswalks with covered pavillions and other aesthetic elements on the bridges. Finally, extensive landscaping using native grasses and wildflowers, flowering and canopy trees, and seasonal color accented with dramatic night lighting will appeal to users and passers-by.