Sessions Announces Over $95 Million in Authorized Funding for Bridges, Interchanges, Multi-use Trails

U.S. Congressman Pete Sessions (R-Dallas) today announced that he helped secure $95.6 million in funding in the House-passed conference report for the six-year transportation reauthorization bill known as TEA-LU (Transportation Equity Act - A Legacy for Users). The conference report passed the House overwhelmingly on Friday by a vote of 412-8. I-30 and I-35E Trinity River “Signature” Bridges, Dallas: $77.8 Million total The city’s two highest priority transportation projects, the I-30 and I-35E “signature” bridges received authorizations of $65.8 million and $12 million respectively. Sessions had secured $34 million of the total for the I-30 bridge in the House-passed version of TEA-LU earlier this year. Congresswoman Eddie-Bernice Johnson led the effort as the primary sponsor. The I-30 bridge was built in the 1950s. The Department of Transportation concluded in 1996 that the bridge must be replaced due to capacity restraints. After two construction phases, the final bridge configuration will include six main lanes, reversible HOV lanes, and collector and distributor roads. I-635-I30 Interchange, Dallas: $12 Million Funding will be provided for construction of the interchange. The I-635/I-30 Interchange in Mesquite is a critical component of the comprehensive project to update the LBJ Freeway and alleviate congestion. This funding will help expedite this project for a critical commercial corridor in the Metroplex. Cottonwood Trail, Dallas: $1.8 Million Funding provided for completion of the Cottonwood Trail in Dallas, a multi-purpose trail designed to accommodate bicyclists, pedestrians, joggers, and skaters. The 1.5-mile trail will connect the existing Cottonwood Trail and the White Rock Creek trails to create a 30-mile trail network linking two counties (Dallas and Collin) and five cities (Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Highland Park, and University Park). Additionally, this project will provide much needed non-motorized access to DART light rail transit. Loop 12/IH-35E/SH-183 west extension to MacArthur, Irving (Reconstruct): $4 Million The City of Irving also received funding in this year’s transportation bill for SH 183, Loop 12, and the I-635/I-35E interchange. Sessions joined Congressman Kenny Marchant to coordinate the combined effort that secured the funding for these three projects. Marchant took the lead on the I-635/I-35E and SH 183. Sessions once again took the lead on Loop 12 project. Sessions worked along side many members of the Texas delegation, including Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, Congressman Jeb Hensarling, and Congressman Kenny Marchant, to secure the funding contained in TEA-LU. “I am proud to have been a part of a bipartisan and bicameral team that worked together to improve the daily commutes of Dallas-area residents,” said Rep. Sessions. “By working together, we were able to maximize our effectiveness and ensure that Dallas taxpayers can look forward to improved transportation infrastructure in our great city, as well as a better return on their hard-earned tax dollars.” “My hat is also off to Transportation Chairman Young,” Sessions continued. “I commend him on his leadership on this far-reaching legislation that will benefit the transportation infrastructure in this country for years to come.” “I am so thrilled about our delegation’s accomplishments with this highway transit bill,” said Dallas Mayor Laura Miller. “They have really scored big. This bill will alleviate our congestion problems and advance our economic development opportunities, especially the Trinity River Project.”