SMITH COUNTY — Connection to I-20 using Toll 49 is closer than you think!

The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) has started work on I-20 to connect with Toll 49 as part of the Segment 3B contract.

The NET RMA’s Design/Build Contractor, CH2M Hill, has begun dirt moving activities to build the ramps and bridge crossing of I-20. Next week, CH2M Hill will start activities that will impact traffic as they start the I-20 construction.

Mr. Everett Owen, NET RMA Project Director stated, “This is another milestone on the project as the work at I-20 is significant in advancing the opening of Segment 3B of Toll 49.” Once the connection to I-20 is complete, Toll 49 will provide connectivity to the west and south of Tyler. The project is on schedule to be complete in the spring of 2013.

The upcoming construction activities planned by CH2M Hill will consist of two major elements, construction of the entrance and exit ramps and the Toll 49 Bridge crossing I-20.

Traffic delays on I-20 due to this construction are expected to start taking place, pending weather, during the week of July 16, 2012.

Through the end of the 2012, the traveling public should expect delays on I-20 between FM 849 and CR 433 (Harvey Road).

The CR 411 Bridge crossing I-20 will remain closed to the public to facilitate new I-20 ramp construction. Please be prepared for any potential delays in the construction area.

Make sure and follow the NET RMA on Twitter and Facebook and stay current by logging onto www.toll49.org for the all of the latest updates.

CONSTRUCTION RELATED TRAFFIC DELAYS

Segment 3B of Toll 49 is located west of Tyler, Texas and extends from SH 31 to I-20.

The segment is approximately 10 miles long and is being designed and constructed by the NET RMA’s CDA Developer, CH2M Hill.

Construction on Toll 49 Segment 3B started on March 31, 2011.

The project is scheduled to take approximately two years to construct with a total project cost of $89,232,000.

Construction on Toll 49 Segment 3B is currently 63% complete. Construction began at SH 31 and proceeded north, and has now reached the I-20 corridor.

Construction on Toll 49 Segment 3B should be complete in the spring of 2013.

Once Segment 3B is complete, Toll 49 will be open for tolling from SH 110 near Whitehouse around the south and west of Tyler to I-20, a distance of approximately 27 miles.

About the NET RMA

The NET RMA is an independent government agency created to accelerate the development of transportation projects in North East Texas. Our mission is to implement transportation solutions that will enhance the quality of life and the economic environment in our area. The NET RMA is governed by a 19-member board of directors that represent each of the member counties: Bowie, Cass, Cherokee, Gregg, Harrison, Panola, Rusk, Smith, Titus, Upshur, Wood and Van Zandt.

Texas RMAs were made possible through an initiative passed by State Legislature in 2001. The NET RMA was established in October 2004.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE OFFICIAL REPORT BY THE NET RMA.

CLICK HERE TO GO TO THE TOLL 49 WEBSITE, AND FOR THE DETAILS ABOUT SEGMENT 3B.