 |
Q: |
Who will develop the
project? |
|
A: |
In December 2006, we requested private-sector
qualifications to speed up development on the North Tarrant
Express. Seven proposer teams have submitted qualifications.
We reviewed these and selected a short list of four
proposers for further consideration.
The short listed
teams then have the opportunity to submit detailed proposals
for the development of the project. Once formal proposals
are received, TxDOT will conduct a thorough evaluation with
a recommendation expected by the end of 2008.
|
|
| |
Q: |
Who determines CDA contract
provisions? |
|
A: |
TxDOT is establishing uniform CDA contract
provisions. In North Texas, the
elected officials who make up the
Regional Transportation
Council (RTC) will review and make recommendations regarding
certain contract terms. (The RTC is the federally recognized
regional transportation policy body.)
These terms include
the toll rate that can be charged for the managed lanes, the
length of time for the contract, and specific provisions to
protect taxpayers and the traveling public. The RTC has also
set policies for revenue sharing for the region and methods
to manage the toll lanes.
|
|
| |
Q: |
How will it be financed? |
|
A: |
Approximately $600 million has been identified for the
North Tarrant Express. A public/private partnership could
accelerate the start of construction by several years.
We hope the private sector will
help bridge the funding gap for these projects
through a public/private partnership agreement that could be reached in 2008.
|
|
| |
Q: |
Will these roadways become
toll roads? |
|
A: |
Drivers will have a choice between managed
“express” lanes that will be tolled, and main lanes and
frontage road lanes that will not be tolled. The “express”
lanes will support the long distance commuter with fewer
ramps. The main lanes will best support the short distance
commuter trips because ramps will be located to serve the
major intersecting city streets.
|
|
| |
Q: |
What are toll managed
lanes? |
|
A: |
Toll managed lanes are designed for the long distance daily
commuter wanting the most reliable and time-saving peak hour
commute. Those drivers can expect traffic to flow at a
minimum of 50 mph.
Based on the RTC’s managed lanes policy,
when demand is low at off-peak hours, a lower toll rate will
be charged for the managed lanes. When demand is high, such
as during peak commute times, a higher rate will apply. The
policy also encourages transit use with transit vehicles
receiving a discount.
|
|
| |
Q: |
Will the project have toll
booths? |
|
A: |
No. With an electronic toll tag, tolls are deducted
automatically from your prepaid toll account (TxTag, Tolltag
or EZ TAG) when you use the managed lanes.
|
|
| |
Q: |
How do I get a TxTag? |
|
|
| |
Q: |
How can I stay informed
about the project? |
|
A: |
There are many different ways to get information about the
project.
|
|
|
|
Q: |
How can I be sure my
comments are heard? |
|
A: |
Comments can be submitted at any time during the project
development process, either in person, by phone, U.S. mail,
e-mail, delivery or fax to:Texas Department of
Transportation, Fort Worth District
P.O. Box 6868
Fort Worth, Texas 76115-0868
Phone: (817) 370-6500
Fax: (817) 370-6759
E-mail |
|
