Dallas North Tollway Frisco: Construction Complaints Pour In
- William Taylor
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
Closures frustrate commuters as officials emphasize long-term benefits
Construction continues along the Dallas North Tollway through Frisco under a major widening project scheduled for completion in late 2025. The expansion, managed by the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), will add a fourth lane in each direction between SH 121 and US 380.
For Frisco drivers, the project represents both the promise of improved future travel and the reality of daily delays.
The $157.3 million effort began in 2022 and includes bridge work, frontage road improvements, and ramp redesigns. Officials say the expansion is necessary to support rapid population growth in Collin and Denton counties, where Frisco’s population has more than doubled since 2010. Until construction ends, residents face lane closures, detours, and extended commutes.
Closures Impacting Drivers
During the week of August 25th through August 30th, multiple lanes and ramps were closed, including Cotton Gin to Stonebrook, John Hickman, Warren, Gaylord, and PGA Parkway. Similar restrictions continued into early September, causing backups across Frisco.
Disruptions have extended beyond the Tollway itself. Portions of Dallas Parkway, which run parallel, were also shut down. Commuters have reported longer drives on local roads, with morning trips that once took 20 minutes stretching to nearly an hour.
Dallas North Tollway Construction Matters
Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney said the project is already influencing development, “Had this project not been underway, we likely would not be seeing Fields West already starting development. We wouldn’t be seeing Firefly Park already starting development."
NTTA spokesperson Michael Rey explained the project’s purpose, “The project adds an additional lane in each direction and will help traffic flow as the population continues to grow in Collin and Denton counties,” Rey said.
Frisco engineers are also working to reduce disruption with the city’s Emergency Operations Center, who are monitoring traffic in real time. Even with these measures, residents who rely on the Tollway for school, work, or medical appointments continue to face uncertainty.
Regional Context
The Tollway expansion is part of a larger pattern of road projects across the metroplex. Drivers also face construction zones on I-35E, U.S. 380, and the President George Bush Turnpike. NTTA has warned that traffic delays could remain “moderate to severe” until the project’s completion. By 2045, travel times in Collin County are projected to increase 22 percent without these improvements.
Local businesses are also experiencing challenges. Restaurants and retailers along Dallas Parkway report reduced customer traffic and parking difficulties during closures. For many small businesses, fewer commuters passing by translates directly into fewer sales.
NTTA officials report progress in some areas. The reconstruction of the southbound Fields Parkway bridge was completed in May, with traffic shifted to that span. Work continues on the northbound bridge, several ramps, and other key sections. The fourth lane is expected to open in the fall of 2025.
Opinion: Frisco Deserves Better Construction Planning
Infrastructure expansion is necessary, but how the Tollway Project being managed raises concerns. On some mornings, traffic has backed up from Legacy Drive in Plano to Anna. If the Tollway cannot provide reliable service, residents question whether charging tolls during extended shutdowns is fair.
Safety is another concern. Narrow lanes, unclear signage, and sudden detours create dangerous conditions for drivers. Preventing accidents should remain a top priority during the construction process.
Planning also needs improvement. While NTTA phases closures, drivers often do not know which ramps will be closed until the last minute. More consistent communication and off-peak scheduling would help.
Costs add to the frustration. NTTA increased toll rates in 2024 from 20 to 21 cents per mile for TollTag users, while ZipCash drivers pay twice that. For many, the hike feels like paying more for less service.
Frisco residents deserve the following:
Advance closure schedules and clear detour maps
Toll relief or temporary discounts during major closures
Enhanced safety measures in work zones
Conclusion
Frisco continues to grow at a remarkable pace, and the Dallas North Tollway is central to that growth. The expansion is needed, but residents deserve construction practices that prioritize fairness, communication, and safety. Progress must support the community today as well as tomorrow.
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