Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the I-635 Managed HOV Lanes Project are provided here. These questions will be updated periodically on this website.
Why is the I-635 Managed HOV Lanes Project considered unique?
The I-635 Managed HOV Lanes Project is considered unique because of the following features:
- Drivers will have a choice to by-pass main lane congestion by using the managed lanes
- The project is planned to have one of the most comprehensive and complex managed HOV lanes in the country.
- The project is the first ‘TxDOT solicited’ Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) in the region
What are Managed Lanes?
Managed lanes are facilities which add lane capacity by combining High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and new express lanes to improve freeway efficiency. Managed lanes provide options for travelers to by-pass main lane congestion through various value pricing mechanisms, which may include time-of-day pricing; potential incentives to HOV usage; or other operational strategies.
In the case of the I-635 Corridor, drivers will have the choice of paying a toll to use the managed lanes or traveling for free on the general purpose lanes or frontage roads. Commuters who travel on the managed lanes will be able to benefit from faster and more reliable travel times through the use of value pricing (time-of-day).
Examples of existing managed lane projects in the U.S. include:
- I-10 (Katy) Freeway and US 290 HOV Lane - Houston, Texas
- SR-91 Express Lanes - Orange County, California
- I-15 Managed Lanes - San Diego, California
- Lee County Bridges - Fort Myers, Florida
- I-394 MnPASS Express Lanes - Minneapolis, Minnesota
What is a Comprehensive Development Agreement?
A Comprehensive Development Agreement (CDA) is a public-private partnership that gives transportation agencies the important elements to build projects – money, innovation and resources. In Texas, CDAs are awarded to a team of companies that may provide any combination of finance, design, construction, maintenance and operation services under TxDOT guidelines.
A CDA has been chosen for the I-635 Managed HOV Lanes Project to expedite the project delivery and encourage competition in the private sector best value selection process. The region has a $55 billion funding shortfall. A CDA will bring innovation, financing and faster project delivery to assure a timely schedule within budget.
With your support; TxDOT, DART, NCTCOG, NTTA, Dallas County and the adjacent Cities of Dallas, Farmers Branch, Garland and Mesquite will continue to work in partnership with the CDA Team. This effort will help maintain mobility, access and safety throughout the construction and operation of the I-635 Managed Lanes Project.