A $583-million funding shortfall forced the The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to scale back this massive project, leaving critical parts unfunded. The four-level junction (flyover) between TX 121 and Interstate Hwy 635 is one such part. Despite this shortfall, design work and right-of-way acquisition will start this year and construction will begin in early 2010. Per a TxDOT spokesperson, "TxDOT will build the project as money becomes available rather than issuing debt. As additional funds become available, the project will be completed." The funding shortfall will delay additional improvements to the south end of the project where Tx 121 and Tx 360 split.

The 14-mile DFW Connector project will add free highway lanes, managed toll lanes and more service roads as well as improving highway junctions, on-ramps and off-ramps on Tx Hwys 114, 121, 360 and Interstate 635 in Grapevine, Southlake, Irving and Flower Mound. At its largest, Tx Hwy 121 north of DFW airport will have a total of 24 lanes, currently it has 8. It is estimated that as many as 16 Grapevine and Southlake businesses could be relocated to make way for the project. Drivers heading south into Euless, Arlington or Grand Prairie will use large fly-over ramps to move more easily between Tx 114 and Tx 121. The ramp from Tx 114 to south Tx 121 or Tx 360 will go throught the Classic Chevrolet dealership. Dealership officials have said they will relocate the Ken Thompson Fleet and Commercial Sale building to make room for the on-ramp.

Pre-construction activities will begin on the DFW Connector in summer 2009 with construction beginning in 2010. Construction is estimated to take approximately five years.

The total "DFW Connector" overhaul will reconstruct and expand SH 114 from Business 114 (Northwest Highway) to International Parkway, and SH 121 from SH 360 to FM 2499. It will include the major interchanges of Interstate 635, FM 2499 and SH 360, and require the removal of many business locations and claim properties situated on many of the frontage roads involved in the project.

For continuing updates on this information, TxDOT's Web site is a great way to stay informed and ahead of the construction!