Loop 9 Transportation Study

Project Overview

SH 121 Denton County. Example of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) System

The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) currently underway for Loop 9 Southeast will build upon the planning efforts that began in 1995. This DEIS will consider the following:

• New regional transportation plan (Mobility 2030)
• Revised regional and local thoroughfare plans
• Demographic and travel forecasts for 2030
• New cost data
• Alternative alignments developed during prior planning studies
• New federal mandates for environmental impact assessment

The purpose of this DEIS study is to conduct a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of surface transportation needs and alternatives within the Loop 9 Corridor, which runs from IH 20 in Mesquite to US 287 in Ellis County. As stated on the project history page, the need for an "Outer Loop" around the Dallas Metro area was first identified in the Greater Dallas Planning Council's 1964 report, Dallas County Development and Outer Loop Highway Needs.

This study, amongst others, cited the need for a freeway to facilitate east-west movements in southern Dallas County as well as enhance economic and sustainable growth in the corridor. The needs previously identified have become even greater with the continued economic development in and near the study corridor, such as residential and commercial development and inter-modal freight facilities. Demand on the existing transportation infrastructure continues to rise accordingly with additional development. This DEIS will evaluate the alternatives previously developed and determine impacts to the natural, cultural, and human environment for any proposed action. Although envisioned as a part of an ultimate outer loop for the DFW region, Loop 9 Southeast is a stand-alone project that will function independently.

Map of Proposed Alignments (click to enlarge)

Detailed alternative alignments with 2005 aerials