FORT WORTH, Texas – Mobility continues to improve in Fort Worth as the North Tarrant Express project opens two new access ramps in and out of downtown Fort Worth at Belknap Street and Weatherford Street. The ramps opened Friday afternoon, January 25th.
“The opening of these two new ramps will significantly increase access to and from downtown. As we continue to focus on improving mobility and infrastructure within Fort Worth, these ramps play a vital role in providing additional connectivity and congestion relief,” said Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price.
NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 (NTEMP3) with North Tarrant Infrastructure (NTI) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced the opening of southbound I-35W TEXpress exit ramp to Belknap Street and northbound I-35W TEXpress entrance ramp from Weatherford Street. The two newly built ramps will create greater access for the TEXpress Lanes to and from downtown Fort Worth.
“These lanes will improve center city and through-center mobility and will enhance the appeal of downtown Fort Worth as a premier corporate headquarters, hospitality, residential and retail destination in North Texas,” said Andy Taft, President of Downtown Fort Worth Inc.
The Belknap Street and Weatherford Street ramps were added to the orginal scope of work after construction began. These ramps were constructed in two years and are a part of the larger TEXpress Lanes (managed lanes) network that has created significant congestion relief throughout greater Fort Worth and specifically the downtown and northeast areas.
“We know these new ramps will greatly improve access for everyone who visits Sundance Square. Employees who work downtown and all of our visitors both local and from around the country will be positively impacted,” said Johnny Campbell, President and CEO, Sundance Square.
In July 2018, North Tarrant Express (NTE) 35W project was opened, two months ahead of schedule. The $1.6 billion project, provides drivers the option to travel along the newly rebuilt and expanded 35W or the NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes from downtown Fort Worth to North Tarrant Parkway. The new corridor connects to the North Tarrant Express project along I-820 (North Loop) and SH-121/183 (Airport Freeway) adding an additional 13-miles to the NTE TEXpress Lanes in Northeast Tarrant County.