As the 82nd Legislative session drew to a close, the Texas State Legislature passed Senate Bill 1420, which authorizes the City of Irving to accelerate its expansion of State Highway 183 by allowing the Texas Department of Transportation to negotiate with private partners to complete funding for long-anticipated improvements to the nine-mile corridor from State Highway 161 to Interstate 35E.
The bill, which was introduced by State Representative Linda Harper Brown, provides the final component for roadway funding. The lane expansion plan calls for the construction of two to three lane frontage roads in each direction, four non-toll main lanes in each direction and two managed toll lanes in each direction. "The local support for the expansion of State Highway 183 has been overwhelming, which is why it was a top priority for me this session. The authority provided in this bill will allow State Highway 183, a critical artery in the movement of people and materials through Irving and North Texas, to be expanded in an efficient and cost effective manner. The completion of this project will greatly benefit Irving families and businesses," said Harper Brown.
Irving Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Rick Stopfer led the City of Irving’s pursuit for legislative approval, and also chaired the State Highway 183 Stakeholders Coalition that brought the surrounding local governments and businesses to the table for a joint advocacy effort. “Working together, the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, the cities of Dallas and Irving, along with elected officials in Austin are moving forward with a great opportunity by improving east/west connectivity, relieving congestion and maximizing development along the State Highway 183 corridor,” said Stopfer.
Support for the bill was broad and included significant assistance from Irving’s business community.
“A public/private partnership will ensure an accelerated construction timeframe which means minimal disruption to our businesses along the corridor and greater access points for the many businesses who distribute products from the State Highway 183 area,” said Chris Wallace, President/CEO of the Greater Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce.
The city will begin moving forward with plans to review possible contract options in the coming weeks. Local firms have already expressed interest in participating in the State Highway 183 project.
Harper Brown is currently serving her fifth term as the state representative for House District 105, which consists of the City of Irving. She sits on the House Committee on Transportation, Local & Consent Calendars Committee, Rules & Resolutions Committee, and Government Efficiency & Reform Committee, while maintaining her seat on the Sunset Advisory Commission.
Stopfer is the chairman to the Irving City Council Planning and Development Committee and is a member of the Communications Committee, Legislative Committee, and the Public Works Committee. He is also the council liaison to the Dallas Regional Mobility Coalition, TEX 21, the Irving Flood Control District #1, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Regional Transportation Council and the Trinity River Corridor.
Wallace is the President/CEO of the Greater Irving Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce, the first 5-Star Nationally Accredited Chamber in Texas. The Chamber works to create economic activity for Irving, advance more than 1,663 business investors who represent 145,000 employees and promotes all members including six Fortune 500 Global headquarters and eleven U.S. Small Business of the Year Award Winners.
