The North Tarrant Express is dedicated to improving mobility along north I-35W, northeast I-820 and SH 121/183 Airport Freeway through a regionally supported managed lane system.

Construction began in October 2010 on the first project. In addition to the design, right of way and utilities, the project will rebuild and expand 13 miles along I-820 and SH 121/183 from I-35W to the SH 121 split. This $2.02 billion project will rebuild the existing four to six main lanes, add four toll-managed lanes, plus frontage roads and auxiliary lanes to approximately double the existing capacity. The project will provide an additional value of approximately $450 million for operations and maintenance through 2061. Two additional non-tolled main lanes which will also be added no later than 2030 at no additional cost. This public-private partnership brings 2/3 private funds with 1/3 public funds to complete this 13-mile corridor in five years. It is estimated to be complete by 2015.

The I-35W project is the next part of the North Tarrant Express. It is divided into three segments:

• Segment 3A is 6.5 miles of I-35W from north of I-30 to south of I-820
• Segment 3B is 3.6 miles of I-35W from north of I-820 to US 81/287
• Segment 3C is 5.0 miles of I-35W from US 81/287 to SH 170

TxDOT and the developer have negotiated a draft facility agreement for 3A and TxDOT awarded a contract to build 3B. A financial public hearing to provide information regarding the draft facility agreement for segment 3A was held on Oct. 11, 2012 at the Fort Worth District Office. The draft facility agreement and exhibits were reviewed by the Legislative Budget Board and the Office of the Attorney General.

On March 1, the Texas Transportation Commission and NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 LLC (NTEMP3) announced that the project has achieved commercial close and secured an official notice to proceed, a necessary milestone in advancing the project. Financial close occurred on Sept. 19, 2013.

Segment 3A is scheduled to begin construction in spring 2014 with completion estimated in 2018. Construction began on Segment 3B in May 2013 with completion estimated in 2016. Development of Segment 3C is pending future funding.