Answers to The East Corridor’s most frequently asked questions are provided here. Questions will be updated as necessary.

1. Why is this study being done?

TxDOT has initiated The East Corridor Transportation Study to develop a plan of action to best meet the transportation needs for the IH 30/US 80 corridors in eastern Dallas county both now and for the future. In recent years, population growth in Dallas, and many of the eastern suburban cities, has greatly increased transportation demand. By 2030, the population of Dallas County is projected to double from 2000 levels. The study will address area mobility for the next 25 years, as well as today's traffic congestion.

2. When will the study be completed?

Initiated in May 2004, this transportation study is approximately a three-year project. Preliminary Design Schematics and a corresponding Environmental Assessment will be completed by fall 2007.

3. When will any recommended highway construction begin?

Typically, the lead-time for major highway improvements (from MIS to the beginning of construction) is 10 years or more, depending on funding availability. After the design schematics and environmental documentation are complete, the process of developing detailed construction plans and estimates must occur before securing funding and awarding the construction contract.

4. Will TxDOT need to acquire additional property for highway improvements?
If so, when will property owners know if their property will be impacted?

TxDOT's goal is to minimize the need for property acquisition. However, it is likely additional property will be required to some extent within the corridor, although it could range from limited areas in specific locations to more extensive impacts along other sections of the corridor. The analysis of each potential alternative will include an evaluation of right-of-way requirements and potential acquisition of existing property sites. This information will be presented at Community Work Group Meetings, Public Meetings/Hearings for citizen input and feedback.

5. What is a "locally preferred alternative?"

The result of the Transportation Study will be the selection of a locally preferred alternative. This is the consensus recommendations endorsed by governing bodies of the local entities/towns/cities located within the study corridor.

6. Why were new HOV lanes implemented along IH 30 and US 80 prior to the completion of this transportation study?

DART and TxDOT installed an interim HOV lane along IH 30 from downtown Dallas to US 80. This is a temporary HOV lane designed to provide immediate congestion until permanent, more all-inclusive and functional design solutions are explored, adopted and implemented.

7. Will sound walls be constructed to reduce the impact of highway noise on adjacent neighborhoods?

Studies will include analysis of environmental factors, including noise and air quality. In some areas, sound walls may be needed to help mitigate noise levels that negatively impact adjacent neighborhoods. If study results conclude that a particular sound wall is warranted, property owners located immediately adjacent to the sound wall are the sole determining party if, in fact the wall is constructed because sound walls have both advantages and disadvantages for adjacent property owners.

8. Does the study scope include mass transit options?

The East Corridor , previously studied by DART, did include investigation of a full range of multi-modal strategies and recommendations to develop mass transit solutions. Keep in mind however that a number of eastern Dallas County cities/towns have chosen not to be the DART service for mass transit consideration. Future consideration and expansion of mass transit services including buses (local and express), light rail, and park and ride facilities remains a DART/local participating community decision.

9. Will a "no-build" or “do-nothing” option be considered?

Yes, the study will include an impact analysis on area mobility and congestion if no federally/state-funded long-range transportation improvements are funded/implemented for IH 30 and US 80 in eastern Dallas and Kaufman Counties. This alone makes consensus critical when considering design solutions and weighing options to improve or not improve travel conditions by solving congestion for local cities, towns, and communities.

10. Could IH 30 and/or US 80 be tolled in the future?

In Texas, current identified transportation needs exceed available funding by three to one. Traditional, tax-based methods of financing roads are no longer sufficient to handle the statewide and local transportation needs in a timely fashion. The future depends on funding tools that maximize budgets by using strategic partnerships with local communities and private businesses. In the past, Texas highways have been funded by a combination of federal, state and local funds. In the future, the IH 30 and US 80 facilities will be considered candidates for future toll-incorporation.

For more information on future toll-incorporation on Texas roads, please visit the Texas Department of Transportation website at: http://www.dot.state.tx.us.