Work on Toll 49 at I-20

SMITH COUNTY — The NET RMA and its Design/Build Contractor, CH2M Hill, are reaching another milestone in the construction of Toll 49 Segment 3B. Major work on the Toll 49 bridge crossing Interstate Highway 20 is about to begin; however, this work will result in lane closures and traffic delays starting at 7:00pm on November 19th and 20th. During these evenings, the concrete girders for the Toll 49 Bridge over I-20 are scheduled to be installed which signifies a major milestone towards the completion of the Bridge. The majority of the work on the Toll 49 Segment 3B project is currently centered on construction of the I-20 Bridge structure.

Everett Owen, Project Director of the NET RMA, stated “Construction progress continues to be positive with all parties working for a successful completion of the project. We expect the project to be complete in Early Spring of 2013. TxDOT has been a great partner to the NET RMA and CH2M Hill and we are working together to keep traffic interruptions on I-20 to a minimum.”

Construction activities over the next few weeks will increase on and around the I-20 bridge site, resulting in lane closures and significant traffic delays. The actual Bridge girder installation will be completed at night; with traffic slowdowns anticipated in the east bound direction on November 19th and westbound direction on November 20th. If possible, please avoid this area on these nights, or please be prepared for potential delays along the I-20 Corridor.

Once Segment 3B is completed, Toll 49 will provide connectivity to the west and south of Tyler. When the project opens in Early Spring 2013, Toll 49 will provide new mobility from State Highway 110 near Whitehouse to I-20 offering nearly 26 miles of non-stop driving for motorists. A Grand Opening Ceremony for Toll 49 is being scheduled for March 2013.