The reconstruction and expansion project involved rebuilding the corridor through Southlake, Grapevine and the northern edge of Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, easing congestion in a densely populated area and substantially improving access to the airport. It is one of the largest transportation projects undertaken in North Texas.
WSP managed all design efforts, including sub-consultants, including DBE firms to help meet the project goals. In addition to design, WSP also managed the geotechnical investigation program, administered the Design Quality Management Plan and provided project control management and reporting for design. In addition, WSP provided support of right-of-way (ROW) acquisition.
The DFW Connector consists of up to 14 main lanes and 4 TexPress lanes on SH 114 as well as new frontage roads and ramps. Continuous frontage roads were built along both westbound and eastbound SH 114 between William D. Tate and Freeport Parkway. New direct-connect ramps were built from northbound SH 121 to westbound SH 114 as well as from eastbound SH 114 to southbound SH 121.
In addition to reconstruction of SH 114 and SH 121, the project also included reconstruction of International Parkway to the north toll plaza, reconfiguration of entrance/exit ramps on International Parkway, and reconstruction of the north and south service roads. This required extensive coordination with airport engineering staff, preparation of soil handling plans to comply with environmental commitments within airport property, and FAA airspace coordination.
Traffic Control Plan: The entire corridor was reconstructed while managing 250,000 vehicles per day through and maintaining access to DFW Airport and local businesses. The design-build approach accelerated the ROW, design, and construction phases, minimizing impacts to businesses and the traveling public. WSP’s comprehensive Traffic Control Plan ensured that the existing roadway network continued to function smoothly throughout construction.
Rail Line Coordination: The project required significant coordination with Dallas Area Rapid Transit as the SH 121 and IH 635 segments cross the DART owned RRs with freight operations and the future Silver Line Commuter Rail. The team also coordinated with Trinity Metro who was planning and designing the Tex-Rail Commuter Rail with grade separations planned to cross the SH 114/SH 121 segment.
