NTTA Milestones
The NTTA's predecessor, the Texas Turnpike Authority (TTA), was established as a state agency in 1953.
The TTA's first project was the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike, started in 1955 and completed in 1957. In 1977, when all outstanding bonds were retired, the road was transferred to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as a toll-free highway, 17 years ahead of schedule. TxDOT designated the former DFW Turnpike as Interstate Highway 30.
The TTA began its second project, the Dallas North Tollway, in 1966 and opened the first segment to motorists in 1968. In 1977, the TTA initiated construction on the two-mile Mountain Creek Lake Bridge in Grand Prairie, which was opened to traffic in 1979. Throughout the years, the TTA also began projects in other areas of Texas, including the Houston Ship Channel Bridge.
The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) was created on September 1, 1997 with 213 employees, to finance, construct and oversee turnpike projects in North Texas. At that time, the TTA's assets and liabilities in North Texas were transferred to NTTA.
Today, the NTTA has more than 750 employees and operates almost 80 centerline miles of toll roads in North Texas. It is a crucial component of the transportation system in North Texas, and the NTTA is rapidly expanding its system of roadways and bridges to offer its customers the most convenient access to destinations throughout the area. More than 100 miles of additional roadways are under construction or are in the planning stages within a seven-county area – from Grayson County to the north, Tarrant County to the west, Dallas County to the east and Johnson and Ellis Counties to the south.
Like its customers, the NTTA is on the move.
| 1953 |
Texas Turnpike Authority is created |
| 1957 |
Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike opens |
| 1968 |
Dallas North Tollway opens |
| 1978 |
Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike tolls are removed; road is designated Interstate Highway 30 (IH-30) |
| 1979 |
Mountain Creek Lake Bridge in Grand Prairie, southwestern Dallas County, opens |
| 1987 |
Dallas North Tollway extension – Phase I opens |
| 1989 |
Electronic TollTag system is introduced on Dallas North Tollway |
| 1994 |
Dallas North Tollway extension – Phase II opens |
| 1997 |
North Texas Tollway Authority is created |
| 1998 |
President George Bush Turnpike – Segment I opens |
| 1999 |
Addison Airport Toll Tunnel opens |
| 1999 |
First portion of President George Bush Turnpike – Segment II opens |
| 2000 |
Remainder of President George Bush Turnpike – Segment II opens |
| 2001 |
President George Bush Turnpike – Segment III opens |
| 2001 |
President George Bush Turnpike – Segment V opens |
| 2003 |
Electronic TollTag system becomes interoperable with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) |
| 2004 |
SH 121 Interchange at the Dallas North Tollway and extension to Gaylord Parkway in Frisco opens |
| 2005 |
Electronic TollTag system becomes interoperable with Dallas Love Field Airport |
| 2005 |
President George Bush Turnpike – Segment IV opens |
2005
2005
2007
2007
2007
2008
2008
2008
2008
2008
2009 |
Federal approval is given for construction of Southwest Parkway in Tarrant County
The NTTA issues its 1 millionth TollTag
Construction begins on the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge in Denton County
Dallas North Tollway – Phase III opens
The NTTA makes a $3.2 billion payment to the region for the 121 Tollway
The Texas Department of Transportation completes Segment II of the 121 Tollway
The NTTA assumes responsibility for operations, maintenance and construction of the 121 Tollway for the next 50 years
$50 million renovation to the south end of the Dallas North Tollway is completed
Construction begins on the President George Bush Turnpike Eastern Extension
The NTTA issues its 1.5 millionth TollTag
The NTTA celebrates the 20th anniversary of the TollTag |
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