The state of Texas is preparing for a major $250 million project to expand the Chisholm Trail Parkway, a key tolled highway connecting Fort Worth to Cleburne, with construction expected to begin this summer and finish by late 2028.

A 13-mile segment stretching from Crowley Plover Road/FM 1187 in Tarrant County to U.S. Highway 67 in Johnson County will be widened from two to four lanes. The North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA), which oversees the parkway, recently completed the bidding process for construction work, management, and materials testing, with contracts slated for approval at the NTTA board’s May 21 meeting.

The project will be funded through the NTTA’s capital improvement fund, supported by toll revenues. Currently, tolls on the Chisholm Trail Parkway range from about $7 to $13, depending on payment methods.

According to Michael Rey, NTTA media relations manager, the original 2014 design of the 27.6-mile parkway had “right-of-way secured for future expansion,” and the time has now come to deliver on those plans. “It is now time to move to the next planned phase of the project to create increased mobility options on the southern lanes of CTP,” Rey said in an email.

Regional planners say the expansion is crucial. “Since Chisholm Trail opened in 2014, the corridor has seen phenomenal growth — in both population and employment — which demographic forecasts suggest will continue through 2050 and beyond,” said Dan Lamers, senior program manager for the North Central Texas Council of Governments. Lamers emphasized that the widening will ensure the parkway “remains reliable for North Texans who depend on it to move freely throughout the region.”

Local officials in cities south of Fort Worth, particularly Cleburne, are enthusiastic about the expansion. Amazon, for example, is building a massive 1.7 million-square-foot operations facility off the parkway, representing a $200 million capital investment and expected to generate 800 to 1,000 jobs. “Amazon’s strategic investment to establish a state-of-the-art facility here is a testament to Cleburne’s thriving economy, strategic location and growing potential,” Cleburne Mayor Scott Cain said previously.

Jeremy Hutt, Cleburne’s director of public works, noted that the widening will improve traffic flow and accessibility. “As Cleburne continues to grow — bringing in more residents, businesses and visitors — we’ve seen increased traffic on the tollway,” Hutt said. “That growing demand is part of what’s driving this expansion.”

Beyond traffic relief, Hutt pointed to the economic ripple effects. “With improved access from the tollway, we’re seeing increased interest in new development along the parkway,” he said. “From commercial and retail spaces to residential growth, the area is primed for opportunity. … We’re excited that these driving factors are making Cleburne an even more vibrant place to live, work and visit.”

Indeed, major developments like Cleburne Station — a 75-acre mixed-use project with retail, office, restaurants, entertainment, and a minor league ballpark — are underway, signaling the parkway’s growing role as an economic catalyst.

Nearby Burleson also anticipates gains. “Over the past two to four years, traffic volumes have grown significantly on both I-35W and the tollway,” said DeAnna Phillips, Burleson’s community services director. She added that new projects like Craftmasters, a trade school expected to serve 5,000 students, and Hooper Business Park will benefit from the expanded tollway.

Even Joshua, though not directly on the parkway, sees potential benefits. “The additional lanes will allow for easier access to the city” as traffic increases on FM 917, said Joshua City Manager Mike Peacock, even though no new developments are currently planned near the tollway.

Once the NTTA board approves the contracts, Rey said, construction will break ground this summer, with an estimated completion date in late 2028, assuming favorable weather conditions.

Originally reported by Eric E Garcia in Fort Worth Report.