Toll 49 Segment 3B Groundbreaking

TYLER — The North East Texas Regional Mobility Authority (NET RMA) Friday celebrated the start of the next piece of the Toll 49 system with the groundbreaking for Segment 3B. Smith County Judge Joel Baker was among those offering remarks. Baker gives the credit to “some dedicated people in this community — community leaders…just people who are committed to community service and who have seen this through.” According to officials, Segment 3B has been much anticipated since not only will it complete the Toll 49 system to I-20 — but it will do so in a record 22-month build time. Segment 3B connects to the western segment of Toll 49 that is currently under construction at SH 31 and proceeds north to connect with Interstate 20.

The NET RMA has worked with TxDOT to further the development of Toll 49. Last fall, the NET RMA received notification that the Texas Department of Transportation approved up to $90 million for construction of Toll 49 Segment 3B by funding the project with two forms of loans. Officials say the funding also opens the door for the NET RMA to start focusing on the next segments of Toll 49, namely, the Lindale Relief Route and the East Texas Hourglass. Jeff Austin III, Chairman of the Board of the NET RMA, stated, �Toll 49 Segment 3B represents the most important segment of the project to date as it makes connection to I-20 increasing connectivity for travelers along US 69 and throughout the region.� Along with Baker, the ceremony featured remarks by Austin, Senators Kevin Eltife and Robert Nichols, and Tyler Mayor Barbara Bass.