Construction of the Eastern Extension of the President George Bush Turnpike from Lavon Ave to IH-30 is moving ahead rapidly, as seen here east of Firewheel Pkwy (Lowes is to the left and Dicks Sporting Goods can be seen to the right). The bed for a future access ramp can be seen just above the drainage ditch.

 
Progress on the President George Bush Turnpike (SH-190) Eastern Extension is moving ahead. Crews are digging the access beneath the Firewheel Pkwy bridge that was originally built as part of the advance work done for the Firewheel Town Center. All sections through Garland, Sachse, and Rowlett between Lavon Ave and IH-30 have work underway.
 
The turnpike will soon see other changes. The toll booths so common to most toll roads will disappear.
 

 
The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) is converting its existing system to all-electronic toll collection (all-ETC). The conversion will improve traffic flow, reduce travel time, enhance safety and improve air quality.
 
The first toll road to be converted is the President George Bush Turnpike (Bush Turnpike). Beginning July 1, 2009, cash will no longer be accepted on the Bush Turnpike. Customers who do not have TollTags will be mailed invoices for travel on the Bush Turnpike. In addition, new corridors under construction will feature all-ETC. For more information about all-ETC, visit www.ntta.org and click on the all-ETC link located on the home page.
 
NTTA staff will answer questions about the conversion during three upcoming open house meetings.
 
     All-ETC Conversion Open House Schedule
 
     April 27, 2009
     Gladys Harrington Library
     1501 18th Street
     Plano, Texas 75074
 
     April 28, 2009
     Timberglen Branch Library
     18505 Midway Road
     Dallas, Texas 75287
 
     April 30, 2009
     Valley Ranch Library
     401 Cimarron Trail
     Irving, Texas 75060
 
More information about the meetings can be found on the NTTA Web site listed above. Comments may be submitted via e-mail to projects@ntta.org or mailed to NTTA Communications Department, P.O. Box 260729, Plano, Texas 75026.