On Oct. 19, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Tarrant County and the city of Azle hosted a groundbreaking for the State Highway 199 project.

This $56 million project will complete the 3-mi. (4.8 km) section of SH 199 between Western Center Boulevard and Nine Mile Bridge Road, adding six freeway lanes (three in each direction), ramps and three bridges at Western Center Boulevard, Hanger Cut-Off and Nine Mile Bridge Road. This project is part of the $1.3 billion effort, initiated by Gov. Greg Abbott and the Texas Legislature, to improve mobility.

“This project has been a top priority in Azle for many years,” said Texas Representative Charlie Geren. “The additional highway lanes and bridges being constructed here will vastly improve mobility and safety along Highway 199. I am thankful for the hard work TxDOT has done to make this project possible.”

A year ago, Abbott called on the Texas Transportation Commission to develop a focused initiative to improve mobility in Texas. Leading this effort, Commissioner J. Bruce Bugg Jr. met with transportation leaders and elected officials in the state's five major metropolitan areas. Those listening tours and collaborative efforts with metropolitan planning organizations and TxDOT districts helped “shape this initiative.”

“This is one of the most anticipated days in Azle history, and I know my constituents are smiling today,” said Texas Senator Jane Nelson. “I am thrilled this critically needed project is finally moving forward. It is very rewarding to see our decision to end transportation diversions result in projects that will keep Texas moving forward.”

“Special thanks goes to Gov. Abbott and the Texas Legislature for making these funds available for highway projects,” said Bugg. “These projects will improve drive times, reduce costs to Texas drivers and improve our quality of life.” CEG

For more information, visit texasclearlanes.com/.