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Click the categories below to reveal some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have other questions you would like addressed, please click here.
What is the scope of the NTE project?
 This 13.5-mile, $2.5 billion project will rebuild the IH 820 and SH 121/SH 183 (Airport Freeway) corridor in Northeast Tarrant County. Improvements to be made as part of this project include:
-Rebuilding general purpose lanes
-Improving/expanding frontage lanes
-Adding four tolled managed lanes
What are the goals of the NTE project?
The NTE project will provide relief from traffic congestion and bottlenecks along one of the most critical highway corridors in the Dallas-Fort Worth region. These improvements will enhance the safety and reliability of this highway system, while lessening environmental impacts resulting from traffic gridlock.
Who is developing this project?
NTE Mobility Partners will design, build, finance, operate and maintain the NTE, working in close collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation and the local communities. NTE Mobility Partners represents a consortium of companies, including Cintra US, a world leader in private-sector development of transportation infrastructure; Meridiam Infrastructure, a global public-private partnership investor/developer of private facilities; and the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System, the first U.S. pension fund in the country to invest in the building and maintenance of a major toll road project like NTE.
Who is the project's owner?
The State of Texas is the project's owner. NTE Mobility Partners is entering into a lease agreement with the state to improve and expand the NTE, as well as operate and maintain it according to rigorous standards set by the state. Once the lease ends, TxDOT will resume the operation and maintenance of the roadway.
How is the project being funded?
The funding for the North Tarrant Express is part of an innovative public-private partnership (also known as a Comprehensive Development Agreement, or CDA).
Approximately $400 million will be financed through private activity bonds. The public investment by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) amounts to $573 million. NTE Mobility Partners, the developer, will provide $427 million in the form of private equity. Finally, a loan of $650 million has been secured from the federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA).
What is the timing of the NTE project?
Construction began in October 2010, with completion of segments 1 and 2W of the project by 2015.
Our plan is to prioritize each individual phase of the NTE project to open as soon as possible, so that we can deliver a new transportation network, relieving existing congestion and improving safety and air quality.
Will all segments of the 13-mile corridor be under construction at the same time?
Yes. Construction of Segments 1 & 2W of the NTE will be done in phases until the open date of 2015.
NTE Mobility Partners is highly sensitive to regional concerns with concurrent construction projects, especially those affecting entrances to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Our commitment is to ensure as minimal an impact on traffic operations as possible and to minimize disruptions to businesses and residents along the corridor.
Will all segments of the 13-mile corridor be under construction at the same time?
Yes. Construction of Segments 1 & 2W of the NTE will be done in phases until the open date of 2015.
NTE Mobility Partners is highly sensitive to regional concerns with concurrent construction projects, especially those affecting entrances to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Our commitment is to ensure as minimal an impact on traffic operations as possible and to minimize disruptions to businesses and residents along the corridor.
How will NTE Mobility Partners work to minimize traffic problems during construction?
We will use all of our tools to help keep traffic moving safely during construction. Signs will be placed along the highways to inform drivers of closed ramps and lanes, detours, or traffic switches. Furthermore, we will utilize the following tools to inform drivers about traffic changes or problems:
-Regularly updated lane closures on the "Driving the NTE" section of the project web site
-E-mail alerts to subscribers
-Information hotline, 1-888-NTE-2015
What is the process and status of right-of-way acquisition along the corridor?
The right-of-way (ROW) acquisition process for the NTE began in 1999 but was taken over in May 2010 by NTE Mobility Partners; local right-of-way contractors have reached out to more than 300 property owners along the corridor. These specialists have worked with property owners to secure approval to survey their properties as well as to educate owners on the specifics of the process and how they will be compensated. The total ROW budget for this project is $200 million; the ROW process will continue until 2012.
What is being done about noise mitigation in the corridor?
A series of noise walls are being built along residential areas within the project.
What determines where noise walls are placed and what they look like?
The height, width, material and location of the noise walls were determined by federally required noise analysis conducted as part of the planning process for the North Tarrant Express project. Noise analysis is a required aspect of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for planning all highway projects (new or reconstruction).
What are the primary components of a noise analysis?
The noise analysis conducted for the North Tarrant Express project modeled current traffic counts, projected future traffic counts and the design of the new corridor (geometry of the roadway and neighborhoods). The analysis identified both existing noise levels as well as the predicted noise levels for the next 20 years. The analysis also evaluated possible noise impacts and ways to reduce those noise impacts.
What are the different types of noise abatement measures considered on a project like this?
The types of noise abatement measures considered include: traffic management (i.e., reduced speed; not a viable option because it reduces mobility and is inconsistent with the purpose of this project); alteration of alignment; creation of a buffer zone; and construction of noise barriers, which was deemed the best option for this project.
Were neighborhoods and cities involved in discussions about the noise walls?
Yes, the developer and contractor held a series of meetings with affected property owners directly adjacent to the noise walls to discuss the plans and give them the options to vote (simple majority per wall) on whether they wanted walls constructed.
Is this project impacting our local economy, in terms of new jobs?
The NTE Mobility Partners consortium has a long-term commitment to the state of Texas and is already employing more than 2,000 Texans. The team will put to work more than 100 additional North Texas and statewide companies and their employees.
How do I find out about job opportunities on the NTE project?
We encourage you to visit the "Working on the NTE" section of our web site and click on "Job Opportunities," where we regularly post and update job listings and provide specific information on how to apply for a position.
What contract and vendor opportunities exist for the NTE project?
We encourage all interested parties to register their companies and their credentials for consideration in our Registered Vendor Database by visiting the "Working on the NTE" section of our web site and clicking on "Bid Opportunities." We will regularly post and update bid opportunities.
What are the opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) firms on the NTE project?
The North Tarrant Express has a minimum 12.12 percent DBE participation goal. For more information on DBE requirements, please visit the "Working on the NTE" section of our web site and click on "Bid Opportunities." We encourage DBE firms to register on our Registered Vendor Database.
I registered my company on the Registered Vendor Database, but received an error message. How do I ensure that my company is registered?
To ensure that your company has been registered, visit the "Working on the NTE" section of our web site and click on "Bid Opportunities." In the box, Registered Vendors, click on "Log In" and type in your vendor number and password to access your profile. If you have any problems, please click on "Contact Us" and then "Submit Questions or Comments," and we will follow up with you shortly to resolve your issue or concern.
I registered my company on the Registered Vendor Database, but now I want to make changes to or update information my company's profile. How do I do that?
If you have already completed a company profile, visit the "Working on the NTE" section of our web site and click on "Bid Opportunities." In the box, Registered Vendors, click on "Log In" and type in your vendor number and password to access and update your profile. If you have forgotten your vendor number, please email the North Tarrant Express Procurement Department at jmiller@ferrovial.es.
What are toll managed lanes?
Toll managed lanes are designed for the long-distance daily commuter wanting the most reliable and time-saving commute. Those drivers can anticipate traffic to flow at a minimum of 50 mph.
Drivers can expect to pay more for managed lane service during peak travel times than at off-peak hours. For example, when demand is low, a lower toll rate will be charged. When demand is high, such as during peak commute times, a higher rate will apply. Certain High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV), such as buses and van pools, could pay a lower rate during peak hours.
Why are there toll managed lanes on this project?
Managed lanes are part of a regional strategy to reduce congestion by using variable pricing to provide a consistent 50-mph rate of travel. If it weren't for managed lanes, even a rebuilt North Tarrant Express would eventually become congested. By managing demand, users will be able to choose whether to use the lanes to ensure a reliable trip.
Will I have to pay a toll to use this corridor?
No. Drivers may choose between the non-tolled general purpose lanes or the toll managed lanes.
Will the project have toll booths?
No. The managed lanes will use an electronic tolling system. With an electronic toll tag, tolls are deducted automatically from your prepaid toll account (TxTag, Tolltag or EZ TAG).
How can I stay informed about the project?
There are many different ways to get information about the project:
-Visit the project web site
-Subscribe for regular project updates and traffic alerts (visit the web site and click on "Get E-alerts")
-Call our toll-free information hotline at 1-888-NTE-2015
-Visit our Information Center, located at 8713 Airport Freeway, Suite 100, in North Richland Hills (open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
-Schedule a speaker for your business group, civic group or neighborhood association
How do I communicate any comments or questions I might have about the project?
We invite your feedback on this important project. Please visit our project web site and click on "Contact Us" to submit any questions or comments. You can also submit comments or questions at any time during the project, either in person, by phone or US mail to:
NTE Mobility Partners
8713 Airport Freeway, Suite 100
North Richland Hills, TX 76180
Phone: 888-NTE-2015
How do I report issues I see along the corridor, for example, injured animals, damaged guardrails or signs, debris on the road or other maintenance issues?
If you see any issues in the corridor that might affect the safety of the roadway and its drivers, please call our NTE project hotline at 1-888-NTE-2015.
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