Sam Rayburn Tollway project nears completion

The $212 million interchange project that connects U.S. 75 to the Sam Rayburn Tollway is nearing completion.

The construction, which started in 2008, is hoped to ease congestion in the area and increase traffic safety by replacing four traffic-light-controlled intersections, which previously provided access to the two highways’ frontage roads, with a series of multi-level loop ramps. The interchange’s six direct-connectors remain unchanged.

“That interchange was difficult to maneuver, to be kind,” said Michael Rey, North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) spokesman. “This interchange aspect makes it so much more approachable, so we hope it will move traffic through a little bit quicker [and safer].”

The project’s fourth direct-connector, which will move traffic from northbound U.S. 75 to the southwest-bound tollway, opened to traffic in December of last year. The fifth ramp, which connects the southwest-bound tollway to southbound U.S. 75, will open by the end of this month if inclement weather does not delay the project, Rey said.

The final connector, which connects northbound U.S. 75 to the northeast-bound tollway, is planned to open in May. If everything goes as planned and weather remains clear, the project should be finished shortly after the final connector, Rey said.

Dan Bowman, assistant director of the Allen Economic Development Corporation, said the increased accessibility is likely to have a positive impact on the city’s economic development.

“The opening of the U.S. 75 and [Sam Rayburn tollway] interchange is monumental for the Allen business community, providing direct access to the Dallas-Forth Worth International Airport with a quick 25- to 30-minute drive,” he said. “We expect that this interchange will attract business and investment to our community, particularly international companies that require quick access to international flights.”

Karen Cromwell, tourism manager, also said the opening of the interchange will help the city economically and ease access to existing businesses.

"Anything that makes for the ease of mobility for travelrs, will definitely help increase the traffic to Allen,” she said. “It just makes it so much easier to get to, to navigate that corridor."

Cromwell also said once the construction is complete, the path will be open for new businesses in that area.

"You'll start seeing more activity out there with regard to corporate development along with expansion for retail along that corridor," she said.

Pat Lobb Toyota is less than two miles north of the interchange. Tim Anderson, director of operations for the dealership, said the construction has already improved traffic in the area and caused an increase in business — February’s sales were up 45 percent from last year’s, an increase Anderson said was a “direct positive impact” of the construction.

“I think it just opens up a lot of doors for the businesses up here in McKinney,” he said. “I think the opportunities are endless.”

The interchange’s original completion date of January 2011 was pushed back after general construction delays, Rey said. The NTTA is making up for subsequent delays caused by a February ice storm and extended freeze by asking construction crews to work extra time, Rey said.

“We had a little bit of a weather delay, but we always like to remind the public that’s a possibility,” he said.

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