The case of “orange barrel fatigue” at Interstate 30 and University Drive is nearing an end.
The final phase of construction on Chisholm Trail Parkway is set to wrap up by the time summer begins said Michael Rey, media relations manager at the North Texas Tollway Authority.
“Pretty soon folks will have us in their rear view mirror and have pretty good mobility in Fort Worth,” Rey said.
Crews are currently paving surface roads and working to connect the toll road with I-30, Rey said. They’re putting the finishing touches on the ramps connecting Chisholm Trail Parkway to I-30.
The NTTA is also working to improve traffic flow, Rey said. As a result of the construction, traffic often backs up in the north and southbound lanes of University Drive near I-30 during peak rush hours.
The tollway authority is working with the City of Fort Worth to stage city lights appropriately to remedy the congestion. It is also considering placing large stickers on the northbound lanes of University Drive to guide drivers into the correct lanes to get on I-30 or Chisholm Trail parkway.
“In making the interchange itself we fell like the final configuration will be just as friendly to people as the previous one was,” Rey said. “it’s just a matter of feeling your way through.”
Mother nature delayed construction of Tarrant County’s first roll road. It was supposed to wrap this spring, but snow and icy weather in late February and early March pushed back the completion date.
“We’re coming off what was a fairly rough winter weather-wise and that affects the construction times,” Rey said.
The nearly 28-mile toll road opened in May 2011. Rey says it should serve as catalyst for commercial and residential growth in southwest Fort Worth, as well as cities in Northern Johnson County.
“It’s a corridor — either side will spur growth around it,” Rey said.
At least one major development is already planned. Tarleton State University announced last December it will open a new Fort Worth Campus on 80 acres of land along Chisholm Trail Parkway in southern Tarrant County.
Richard Esobedo is a reporter for TCU360.com.  Email him at [email protected]