TxDOT's Transformative Southeast Connector Project Progressing

Published on July 25, 2025

By Susan Schrock, Office of Communication

Significant progress continues on the Texas Department of Transportation’s $2.2 billion Southeast Connector, a transformative infrastructure project that aims to improve mobility, enhance safety, and reduce congestion across Arlington and Tarrant County.

The project, which broke ground in March 2023, is the largest transportation investment in the history of the TxDOT Fort Worth District. It spans 14 miles and involves the sections of three major highways—Interstate 820, Interstate 20, and U.S. 287—as well as their interchanges and frontage roads. Substantial completion is expected in early 2028.

“The Southeast Connector Project is about more than just concrete and steel,” said Nicholas Andryshak, public information officer with South-Point Constructors. “It’s about reshaping how people move through our region—making travel safer, faster, and more predictable for decades to come.”

In Arlington, residents may have already noticed the rapid pace of work. Crews have completed milestones such as opening the flyover bridge from westbound I-20 to southbound U.S. 287 and a new collector-distributor from eastbound I-20 to southbound U.S. 287, as well as demolishing the former Bowman Springs Road bridge to make way for a new one.

Approximately 1 million construction man-hours are expected to be worked both this year and in 2026, underscoring the scale and pace of construction. So far, approximately six miles of new frontage road have been built with another seven miles expected to open before the end of this year. Once completed, the Southeast Connector will offer vastly improved mobility for the approximate 250,000 commuters who drive these roads daily, Andryshak said.

“With added capacity on the highway and frontage road lanes, the Southeast Connector will significantly reduce congestion,” said Andryshak. “We’re also redesigning left-side exit ramps to more intuitive right-side movements, making navigation through the corridor safer and more efficient.”

The project includes 61 bridges that are being reconstructed or rehabilitated, several of which are located within Arlington city limits. The Village Creek Road bridge over U.S. 287 is now open, for example, and more structures will follow in the coming months.

Also, as part of community-focused improvements, noise barriers are planned along portions of westbound I-20 frontage roads in Arlington to help reduce traffic noise by 5 to 7 decibels, improving quality of life for nearby neighborhoods, he said.

Drivers are encouraged to be mindful of overnight lane closures, which typically begin after 9 p.m. to minimize daytime traffic disruptions. To help navigate construction zones, residents are encouraged to use the Waze app, which reflects real-time updates. To learn more about the project, please visit the Southeast Connector Project website. Residents can also email contactus@southeastconnector.com or call 844-820-2870.

Please note: Speed limits are reduced to 55 mph within the entire corridor.