Unique Interchange Design Moves People More Efficiently

COLLIN COUNTY – The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the project contractor W.W. Webber, LLC of Houston have begun work on reconstructing the interchange at U.S. 75 and Parker Rd. in Collin County. The new $20 million interchange will convert Parker Rd. from a standard, grade-separated bridge to a single-point urban interchange (SPUI). The estimated project completion is fall 2010.

This SPUI is an interchange where all left turn movements occur on the bridge, which promotes optimal traffic operation and safety. Currently, traffic uses existing ramps on the frontage roads to connect to Parker Rd. This requires drivers to have to stop when trying to turn onto or from Parker Rd. and can cause traffic delays.

“The SPUI helps reduce the congestion of the intersection by providing a more efficient and fluid movement through the use of left turns,” said Ron Johnston, P.E., TxDOT’s Collin County Area Engineer. “It is going to greatly improve the traffic flow, as well as enhance safety for motorists and pedestrians.”

Lane closures for this project will include:

• Parker Rd. – reduced from three lanes to two lanes in each direction for the duration of the project
•  U.S. 75 – intermittent closures of U.S. 75 mainlanes at Parker Rd.
• HOV lane – closing the southbound HOV from Bethany Dr. in Allen, to Park Blvd. in Plano, planned to begin later this year

TxDOT and W.W. Weber would like to apologize in advance for any inconvenience, and thank area drivers, local businesses and the City of Plano for their continued patience and cooperation as crews work diligently to complete this project as soon, and as safely, as possible.