I-820 Northeast Corridor Study
The Fort Worth District is currently planning improvements for IH 820 (Northeast
Loop) from IH 35W to SH 121/SH 183. The existing highway includes two general
purpose lanes each direction. Proposed improvements are planned to include three
general purpose lanes in each direction with two managed lanes in each direction
for a total of ten lanes with frontage roads for future traffic volumes.
The preliminary design concepts and alternatives for the corridor are being
reevaluated to include additional managed lanes in the median of the proposed
general purpose lanes. The layouts are currently being updated to include three
general purpose and two managed lanes each direction. A managed lane facility is
one that increases freeway efficiency by packaging various operational and
design actions. Lane management operations may be adjusted at any time to better
match regional goals. This includes evaluating opportunities for congestion
management through a combination of three variables: hours of operation, auto
occupancy, and value/toll pricing.
The Preferred Alternative provides a unique configuration that provides a choice
split between general purpose freeway lanes, and managed lanes with frontage
roads. General purpose lanes and managed lanes offer motorists a choice between
higher service levels and greater accessibility in a corridor that is facing
increasing congestion.
TxDOT received a Finding of No Significant Impact for the project in December
2008.