The $230.6 million project will improve connections between Fort Worth, Burleson and communities in Johnson County.
Ryan M. Short/North Texas Tollway Authority
Drivers traveling through Tarrant and Johnson counties may have noticed temporary lane shifts and lane closures on the Chisholm Trail Parkway in the last year.
The first phase of the toll road opened to traffic in 2014, but Michael Rey, media relations manager for North Texas Tollway Authority, said toll road officials always knew it was just the beginning. As communities south of Fort Worth such as Burleson, Cleburne, Crowley and Joshua continue to grow, NTTA looked toward the next phase.
Traffic on the southern portion of the corridor is expected to increase by more than 40% by 2045, according to a 2024 traffic survey conducted by NTTA. The projected growth is in part due to the planned expansion of the toll road.
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Here’s how NTTA plans to expand the parkway.
What is the Chisholm Trail Parkway Widening project?
The $230.6 million widening project will expand nearly half of the 27.6-mile parkway by an additional lane in each direction, resulting in four total lanes.
“Widening should decrease congestion in each direction and provide a reliable driving experience,” Rey said.
The project limits are from FM 1187 in Tarrant County to U.S. Highway 67 in Johnson County — about 13 miles.
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Reinvested toll dollars entirely funded the project, Rey said. However, the overall parkway itself is a collaboration between NTTA and the Texas Department of Transportation, the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Tarrant and Johnson counties, Fort Worth and Western Railroad, Union Pacific Railroad and the cities of Fort Worth, Burleson and Cleburne.
Where are they in the process?
Construction on the widening project began in September 2025 and is scheduled to finish in June 2028.
Bridges along the entire project length are underway with drainage and culvert work — the tunneled pipes that channel water underneath a roadway. Earthwork activities continue throughout the corridor, including subgrade remediation, embankment placement, grading, and roadway preparation activities supporting future pavement construction, Rey said.
Bridge deck work is underway on Don Lee Road Bridge and Country Road 904 Bridge. Buffalo Creek Bridge and Country Road 1015 Bridge are currently under construction. Substructure work is ongoing at Sparks Road, Country Road 920 and Country Road 913 bridges.
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Overnight and weekend closures continue on entrance and exit ramps along the parkway, with signed detours placed along the route.
Who will this project impact?
The Chisholm Trail Parkway Widening project will affect commuters, businesses and freight traffic traveling between Fort Worth and Johnson County.
“Work is ongoing in Burleson, Cleburne, Crowley and Joshua,” Rey said. “Of course, these areas will also enjoy development opportunities and a more convenient connection to Fort Worth upon the completion of the widening.”
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Residents near the corridor may experience construction noise and temporary access delays as lane shifts and road closures occur “to safely advance phased work,” Rey said.