Enhancing TxDOT- Regional Toll Authority Cooperation and Coordination (0-4055-S)

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and other agencies continue to explore new and innovative methods to address concerns related to traffic congestion, mobility, and accessibility. Expanding the use of toll facilities in the state is one approach receiving increased emphasis. Interest in toll roads goes back to the early 1840s, when the Republic of Texas authorized the Houston and Austin Turnpike Company to build a toll road between the two communities. It was not until the 1950s, however, with the passage of the Texas Turnpike Act, that the first toll road was built in the state. The Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike was opened in 1957 and operated as a toll road until 1977 when it was turned over to the Texas Highway Department upon repayment of the bonds. Toll roads are part of the transportation system in the Houston area, the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, and Laredo. The Sam Houston Toll Road and the Hardy Toll Road are operated by the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA). The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) operates the North Dallas Tollway, the President George Bush Turnpike, the Mountain Creek Lake Toll Bridge, and the Addison Tunnel . The Fort Bend County Toll Road Authority (FBCTRA) is developing two toll roads. The TxDOT Texas Turnpike Authority (TTA) Division is constructing the Central Texas Turnpike Project. The Camino Columbia Turnpike in Laredo is the only privately owned toll road in the state.