High occupancy vehicle lanes funded for extension

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE; February 27, 2006

AUSTIN – State transportation officials approved funding to extend the high occupancy vehicle lanes on Interstates 30 and 635 in Dallas.

The Texas Transportation Commission, at its February meeting, approved the $55 million construction contracts.

"I am pleased to hear that the Texas Transportation Commission has funded these projects," said State Senator John Carona of Dallas. "The addition of these High-Occupancy Vehicle lanes is another tool to ease congestion and encourage ride-sharing as our area continues to grow."

The I-30 project will extend the reversible HOV lane system from Hunnicutt Road to east of Northwest Drive. The I-635 project extends, for 11 miles, the HOV lane from U.S. 75 to I-30 and will add a lane in each direction.

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority (DART) is also a financial partner in both projects.

Construction contracts have been awarded to W.W. Webber, LLC of Houston and Zachry Construction Corporation of San Antonio, respectively.

For more information, call Mark Ball, TxDOT Dallas District Office, (214) 320-6100.