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Frequently Asked Questions Click on the categories below to see questions and answers relating to that category. 1. How do I apply for employment? To apply for employment with the project, please visit our Human Resources Department at 440 W. State Highway 114 in Grapevine, Texas. We will be accepting applications from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays and from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays 2. How do I track the progress of my application once I’ve applied to work on this project? Our Human Resources department will contact you if your application moves forward in the hiring process. If you have additional questions about employment, please contact the Human Resources manager at (817) 601-3766. 1. When did construction begin? The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) approved all plans and schedules for the DFW Connector Project in early December, and construction began on February 17, 2010. 2. When will construction be complete? With the current funding, construction will be complete by early 2014. Click here to learn more about the DFW Connector Project Timeline. 1. How is the project being built? TxDOT selected NorthGate Constructors as the best value proposer to deliver this design-build project as part of a Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) that was finalized in October 2009. 2. What is a Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA)? A comprehensive development agreement (CDA) is the tool TxDOT uses to enable private development of and, in some cases, private investments in the Texas transportation system. There are no private sector funds being used to finance the DFW Connector Project, but rather a single entity (NorthGate Constructors) will be responsible for developing, designing, constructing and potentially maintaining the project. Other CDA projects in North Texas involve public/private partnerships to accelerate construction through the use of private financing. These projects include the North Tarrant Expressway and the LBJ-635 Project. 3. What is design-build? The term "design-build" means that construction will begin in areas where design is complete, while at the same time plans are being developed for other segments of the work. By simultaneously carrying out design and construction activities, the project completion can be accelerated to minimize overall costs due to escalating material prices and rising wages. This means that in only five years, North Texans will experience improved mobility and safety on the completed Connector Project. 1. How is the project being funded? No private funds are being used for this project. Funding for this $1.02 billion project includes $667 million from public gas taxes, $250 million in Federal funds as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and $107 million in Proposition 14 bonds to be used for right-of-way acquisitions and utility relocation. 1. Who is the project’s owner? The Texas Department of Transportation is the project’s owner. 2. Who is the project's Contractor? The DFW Connector Project is being designed and constructed by NorthGate Constructors, a joint venture between two of Texas' most respected organizations in the highway construction industry – Fort Worth-based Kiewit Texas Construction L.P. and San Antonio-based Zachry Construction Corporation. 1. How will Northgate Constructors work to minimize traffic problems during construction? We will use all of our tools to help keep traffic moving safely during construction. Signs will be placed along the highways to inform drivers of closed ramps and lanes, detours, or traffic switches. Furthermore, we will provide drivers with the following tools to inform them about traffic changes or problems:
2. When can I expect lane closures? During peak hours (Monday through Friday from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM), NorthGate Constructors must maintain existing lane capacity. This means that unless we get special permission from the Texas Department of Transportation, we must keep open the same number of lanes that were open before construction began on the project. Expect delays in "off-peak times" when most lane closures take place. Off-peak times are Monday through Friday from 8:00 PM to 6:00 AM and weekends. 3. When will NorthGate Constructors provide detour or alternate route maps? We will provide detour or alternate route maps for major lane closures that require traffic to be rerouted. If there is a detour in place, detour signs will also redirect traffic. 4. What is the speed limit throughout the project? The speed limit is currently 60 mph. There are cautionary signs in some places encouraging motorists to drive 50 mph, and we would advise drivers to obey these cautionary signs. 1. What is right of way? Right of way is land acquired by purchase, gift or eminent domain in order to build and maintain a public road. The state of Texas will own all the right of way on the DFW Connector. 2. When will right-of-way acquisition begin? Right-of-way acquisition and utility relocation began in late 2009. 1. How can I stay informed about the project? There are many different ways to get information about the project:
2. How can I be sure my comments and questions are heard? Submit your comment or question through the DFW Connector Web site at www.DFWConnector.com. 3. Does NorthGate Constructors send traffic information to radio stations? Yes, all traffic reporters receive the information. In addition, Metro Networks receives this traffic information and shares it with many local radio stations. 4. Is traffic information sent to GPS providers? Information is being sent to GPS providers, and individuals who subscribe for construction information through their GPS provider will receive the DFW Connector’s construction information. 1. What are toll managed lanes? Toll managed lanes are designed for the long-distance daily commuter wanting the most reliable and time-saving commute. Those drivers can anticipate traffic to flow at a minimum of 50 mph. 2. Why are there toll managed lanes on this project? Managed lanes are part of a regional strategy to reduce congestion by using variable pricing to provide a consistent 50-mph rate of travel. If it weren't for managed lanes, even a rebuilt DFW Connector would eventually become congested. By managing demand, users will be able to choose whether to use the lanes to ensure a reliable trip. Those who use the four-mile managed lane section will pay an average of 16 cents per mile when the project opens, thereby reducing congestion in the general purpose lanes. 3. Will I have to pay a toll to use this corridor? No. Drivers may choose between the non-tolled main lanes or the toll managed lanes. At its widest point, the highway will include 13 to 14 general purpose lanes plus two tolled managed lanes in each direction. The managed lanes will be located in the existing median on SH 114. 4. Will the project have toll booths? No. The managed lanes will use an electronic tolling system. With an electronic toll tag, tolls are deducted automatically from your prepaid toll account (TxTag, Tolltag or EZ TAG). 1. Is anything being done about traffic congestion at William D. Tate Avenue, specifically going from northbound SH 121 to westbound SH 114? In this area, we will build two direct connectors or “flyovers” – one that will take traffic going northbound on SH 121 to westbound SH 114, and one that will take traffic going eastbound on SH 114 to southbound SH 121. These new flyovers will take the place of driving on William D. Tate Avenue to switch between state highways 114 and 121. 2. How will DFW Connector construction affect the DFW International Airport? The DFW Connector construction will redesign the SH 121 and SH 114 interchange, located at the north entrance of the DFW Airport. The completed interchange will provide a direct connection into the north entrance of the airport. 3. What roadway improvements will be made as part of the DFW Connector Project? This 8.4-mile, $1.02 billion project will rebuild portions of four highways, two interchanges and five bridges. Improvements to be made as part of this project include:
4. How many general purpose lanes will there be when the project is complete? The number of general purpose lanes being added will vary from location to location, but as a general rule there will be:
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