Public Information Office 210 S. McDonald Street Suite 626 McKinney, Texas 75069 www.collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 14, 2008

MEDIA ADVISORY

VIPs Commemorate Opening of Service Roads for Dallas North Tollway Extension in Collin County

Prosper, Texas – Collin County officials today led fellow dignitaries from cities in northwest Collin County and the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) in officially opening the Dallas North Tollway’s newest service roads. The planned 13.5-mile extension of the Tollway will extend from U.S. 380 to the Grayson County line.

"The Dallas North Tollway is a proven economic engine, and we welcome the opening of the service roads for the newest segment," said Collin County Judge Keith Self. "The Dallas Parkway extension will contribute to our continued economic growth."

Designated as Dallas Parkway, the new service roads officially opened to traffic today, including a transition section from existing frontage roads just north of U.S. 380 and ending at FM 428 just west of Celina.

"By maintaining strong, cooperative partnerships with our member counties, the North Texas Tollway Authority delivers high quality toll facilities that enhance mobility and by doing so brings prosperity to the communities through which our roadways operate," said Paul N. Wageman, chairman of the North Texas Tollway Authority’s Board of Directors."These new service roads benefit both Collin and Denton counties and demonstrate how the region’s leaders are focusing on the region’s transportation needs."

The NTTA’s other Collin County projects include the President George Bush Turnpike and the 121 Tollway.

"We appreciate the efforts of all our business colleagues, partner cities and the NTTA in making this roadway a success," said Collin County Commissioner Joe Jaynes. "The private sector has been an important part of this effort as individuals and corporations donated $10 million worth of right of way for this extension."

The Dallas North Tollway extension is expected to expand north of U.S. 380 to FM 121 in Grayson County, for a total 17.6 miles. The extension is divided into three segments: Phase 4A (U.S. 380 to FM 428), Phase 4B (FM 428 to the Collin/Grayson county line) and Phase 5 (Collin/Grayson county line to FM 121.)

The Dallas North Tollway extension projects provide a vital link from downtown Dallas to the fast-growing cities in Collin County.

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