DFW Connector
The initial $1 billion DFW Connector project was simultaneously designed and built along 8.4 miles of SH 114 and SH 121 in Grapevine, Southlake and Irving. It doubled the size of the existing highway system around the north entrance of DFW International Airport. The project featured a combination of new mainlanes, frontage road lanes and TEXpress Lanes. The initial project completed in March 2014.
Funding constraints required some original DFW Connector segments to be deferred. However, in early 2013, TxDOT was able to secure funding for the FM 2499 section. Funding for improvements were granted in September 2014 for new SH 121 and SH 360 ramps and in February 2016 for improvements to the SH 121/360 interchange.
The SH 121/360 ramps project constructed new on-ramps from the southbound SH 121 frontage road (William D. Tate avenue) to SH 121 and SH 360. Construction started in early 2015 and completed in Nov. 2015, a year ahead of schedule.
FM 2499 work included building two new mainlanes in each direction on FM 2499 from SH 121 to Denton Creek. These new lanes were built below grade level and allow commuters to bypass the intersections of Stars and Stripes Way and Grapevine Mills Boulevard. The project was completed in 2016, six months ahead of schedule.
As part of the Texas Clear Lanes initiative, TxDOT secured congestion relief funding in 2016 for the SH 121/360 interchange, and in 2017 for the I-635/SH 121 interchange.
The SH 121/360 interchange improvements included new direct connectors for SH 114, SH 121, and SH 360. The project was completed in 2018, seven months ahead of schedule.
The I-635/SH 121 interchange began construction in August 2018. It also includes new direct connectors at SH 26 and FM 2499, and the widening of the Bass Pro Drive bridge. The project reached substantial completion in August 2021, six months ahead of schedule.