From the cover
TxDOT, Richardson to upgrade US 75 infrastructure
BY DUSTIN BUTLER
Going forward
Funding the project
What else
What’s happening
McKinney
Nelson said city crews will handle future maintenance, and Vorster added no major construction projects are planned for US 75. The technology lanes will not require a toll to use. Once completed, the technology lane project and crossing improvements will enhance mobility and safety along the US 75 corridor, Nelson said.
The crossing projects are primarily funded by the city of Richardson, with TxDOT and Dallas County providing additional funds, and are at various development stages, with the Collins Boulevard overpass expected to begin construction in 2026. The Arapaho Road Crossing design has a target completion date of early 2027. Sta submitted a funding application for the Belt Line Road crossing, with awards expected in October.
Crews are also working to improve pedestrian and bicycle pathways across US 75, an initiative included in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. The walkways are separate projects and city initiatives, Nelson said. The projects include crossings at the Collins Bou- levard overpass, Arapaho Road and Belt Line Road. The projects were developed in 2021, said Richardson Mobility and Special Projects Manager Daniel Herrig, and were prioritized because they supported the Richardson Core District, in and around downtown, by enhancing travel for east and west drivers. Improvements at the Collins Boulevard crossing include a bike lane, new lighting and pedestrian ashing beacons at on- and o -ramps, Herrig said. Arapaho crossing upgrades include connection to the trail extensions at the northeast corner. The Arapaho and Belt Line Road crossings will also receive improved tra c signals, American’s with Disabilities Act accessibility and increased lighting.
SRT TOLL
Allen
between northbound and southbound lanes and constructing a new barrier. Once the project wraps up, US 75 will have four 11-foot general purpose lanes and one 11-foot technology lane in each direction. Nelson said the project also includes several safety improvements, including new lighting and upgrades to the center median barrier. The technology lane project is fully funded through state and federal grants, with no local contribution from the city, Schein said. Work began on the Richardson portion of the road Aug. 4, and the HOV lanes will close nightly to remove the pylons and restripe the road. Construction on the technology lanes and barrier is expected to nish by late 2026. Once complete, it will enhance capacity and improve mobility for residents, employers and business stakeholders, according to Nelson. Until then, the lane is still an enforceable HOV lane.
TxDOT Engineer Jennifer Vorster said during a January City Council meeting that the project includes underground infrastructure upgrades, allowing future lane updates without closing the lane for an extended period of time. Along with restriping the lanes, the northbound and southbound HOV lanes are being converted into general use lanes for most of the day, Schein said, in part because of the high maintenance cost for replacing pylons struck by vehicles. Schein said a plan to improve underutilized HOV lanes devised by the North Central Texas Council of Governments and Federal Highway Administration was approved in 2022. The lanes will be limited to HOVs, low-emission vehicles and motorcycles during peak rush hours—from 7-9 a.m. southbound and 4-6 p.m. northbound, Schein said. Drivers will not be charged a toll for using the technology lane during peak hours, according to the TxDOT website. The project also includes removing the barrier
Plano
Phase 1 (March 2024) • Upgraded lighting • New signage installation Phase 2 (Aug. 2025) • HOV lane conversion • Restriping • Northbound HOV lane closure • Barrier installation
75
February/March: Finalize plan, public hearing Spring/summer: Environment clearance, project bidding
2023
PGBT TOLL
Richardson
Funding for US 75 crossings
March: Construction begins
2025
Dallas County: $2,750,000 TxDOT: $2,759,342
COLLINS BLVD.
Summer: Construction concludes on Richardson portion of US 75 Late 2026: Construction completed
ARAPAHO RD.
2026
City of Richardson: $8,530,000
BELT LINE RD.
635
N
SOURCE: TXDOT COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: CITY OF RICHARDSON COMMUNITY IMPACT
SOURCE: TXDOT COMMUNITY IMPACT
DALLAS 9500 N Central Expy (214) 369-2800 ADDISON 15055 Inwood Rd (972) 239-5891
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