Expansion Planned for SH 183, Historically Known as One of the State's 50 Most Congested Roadways

Proposed project in DFW area to bring much-needed relief to drivers on high-traffic highway

AUSTIN – Motorists traveling State Highway 183, also known as Airport Freeway, could soon have the option of moving more efficiently on managed lanes. The Texas Transportation Commission authorized the issuance of a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) today for development of the SH 183 Managed Lanes Project through a Comprehensive Development Agreement, a partnership with private industry. Originally, the project spanned from SH 161 to I-35E; the revised and expanded project has been extended from SH 121 to I-35E. The project could also include connecting roadways, pending legislative approval.

“Today’s action is another step in delivering a critical project that is vital to the economic activity in the Metroplex,” said Commissioner Bill Meadows, Texas Transportation Commission. “The expanded scope, as decided by our local partners, will further improve connectivity for the citizens in both the eastern and western sides of the region as well as to one of the largest airports in the world, DFW airport.”

Phase 1 of the proposed SH 183 managed lanes project, estimated at $1.4 billion, will replace deteriorating infrastructure and add one to two managed or tolled lanes running both directions. The project is expected to improve mobility by expanding 13.5 miles of the corridor in the western portion of Dallas County and eastern portion of Tarrant County.

State Highway 183 is No. 47 on TxDOT’s list of 100 Most Congested Roadways. One quarter of all Metroplex travel utilizes this corridor. Current traffic volumes on SH 183 average between 120,000 to 168,000 vehicles per day; the highway is up to 50 percent over capacity daily.

“This is a major step in relieving traffic and improving safety on one of the most congested corridors in the Metroplex,” said Russell Zapalac, TxDOT chief planning and project officer. “We look forward to working with private industry to accelerate the construction schedule, providing a high-quality project at the greatest value to taxpayers.”

A Request for Qualifications could be issued in late February or early March. Work could begin in 2014.