Local News

Cities Hoping To Benefit From Turnpike Expansion

ROWLETT (CBS 11 News) ― A ceremonial groundbreaking in Rowlett Thursday was more important than the usual turning of dirt. It was for the President George Bush Turnpike eastern extension, which will stretch from northeast Garland to Interstate 30.

For decades, Rowlett has been landlocked by major interstates, and freeway arteries are miles and miles away. But all that will change when the turnpike comes through Rowlett.

"We've been expecting this for about 40 years now, and it's very exciting to see it's actually coming to pass," said Rowlett City Councilmember Patrick Jackson.

Historically, economic development along tolled roads is not a given, but Rowlett is hopeful.

"It's projected that over the next 20 year, almost $19 billion in economic benefit will come to the City of Rowlett," said Rowlett Mayor John Harper. Garland and Sachse will also benefit from the expansion.

A group of houses will be demolished in the name of progress. Most of the homeowners seem happy about the development.

"It helps our business tremendously," said Harold Pyles, who sells real estate. He said he feels a boom coming that will benefit just about everyone in Rowlett. He said the new roadway will finally entice commercial business to move into the area.

"We got a lot of retail business, but we need some more manufacturing businesses or something like that to help the tax base," said Pyles. "We've been basically a bedroom community."

This is one of a number of important tollroad projects on the books, which includes the North Dallas Tollway extension, completion of State Highway 121 and the western Bush Turnpike extension through Irving and Grand Prairie. Earlier this week, officials proposed expanding the bridge on I-35e at Lewisville Lake. In Tarrant County, the great project is the Southwest Parkway.

The western and eastern extension of the turnpike is supposed to be finished by late 2011.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

---