Chisholm Trail Parkway Complete Guide: TollTag, Rates & Payment 2025
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Chisholm Trail Parkway Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TollTag) + Pay-by-Mail (ZipCash)
Length: 27.6 miles (44.4 km) from Fort Worth to Cleburne
Operator: North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
Technology: TollTag transponders, License plate recognition
Status: Operational since 2014, major expansion underway through 2028
Do I Need a TollTag for Chisholm Trail Parkway? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a TollTag to drive on the Chisholm Trail Parkway - but you'll pay significantly more without one. The CTP operates with electronic toll collection, with TollTag users paying 22 cents per mile while ZipCash (pay-by-mail) customers pay double that rate.
Key Reality: A full-length trip on the Chisholm Trail Parkway costs approximately $6.07 with a TollTag versus $12.14 without one. For regular commuters between Fort Worth and Cleburne, this can save over $1,500 annually.
2025 Update: NTTA increased toll rates from 21 to 22 cents per mile effective July 1, 2025. Major construction is underway with a $250 million project to widen the southern 13-mile section from 2 to 4 lanes, scheduled for completion in late 2028.
Chisholm Trail Parkway Costs: Current Rates
The Chisholm Trail Parkway spans 27.6 miles from downtown Fort Worth to Cleburne, providing a vital transportation link between Tarrant and Johnson counties. The toll road features both 2-lane and 4-lane sections with ongoing expansion projects.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | Description | TollTag Rate | ZipCash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 2 (2-axle) | Cars, SUVs, motorcycles | $0.22/mile | $0.44/mile |
| Class 3 (3-axle) | 3-axle vehicles, trailers | $0.33/mile | $0.66/mile |
| Class 4 (4-axle) | 4-axle vehicles, buses | $0.44/mile | $0.88/mile |
| Class 5 (5-axle) | 5-axle vehicles, 18-wheelers | $0.55/mile | $1.10/mile |
| Class 6 (6+ axle) | 6+ axle vehicles | $0.66/mile | $1.32/mile |
Common Trip Costs (2025)
| Route | Distance | TollTag Rate | ZipCash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth to Cleburne (Full Length) | 27.6 miles | $6.07 | $12.14 |
| Fort Worth to Burleson | 15 miles | $3.30 | $6.60 |
| I-30 to FM 1187 | 14 miles | $3.08 | $6.16 |
| FM 1187 to US 67 | 13 miles | $2.86 | $5.72 |
Route Information
Northern Terminus: Interstate 30 in downtown Fort Worth
Southern Terminus: US 67 in Cleburne near SH 171
Cities Served: Fort Worth, Crowley, Burleson, Joshua, Cleburne
Counties: Tarrant County (northern section), Johnson County (southern section)
Lanes: 4-6 lanes (I-30 to FM 1187), 2 lanes (FM 1187 to US 67, expanding to 4 lanes by 2028)
How to Pay Chisholm Trail Parkway Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods on the Chisholm Trail Parkway:
1. TollTag Electronic System:
- Works on all NTTA roads plus Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and parts of Florida and Colorado
- 50% savings versus ZipCash rates
- Available with $10, $20, or $40 prepaid balances
- Free TollTag with no monthly fees
2. ZipCash Payment (Pay-by-Mail):
- Automatic license plate recognition and billing
- Costs double the TollTag rate
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Payment due within 30 days to avoid penalties
3. Compatible Tags:
- TxTag (HCTRA): Works on all Texas toll roads
- EZ Tag (HCTRA): Houston area and statewide
- K-Tag (Kansas), PikePass (Oklahoma): Out-of-state compatibility
To calculate toll costs for your specific trip on the Chisholm Trail Parkway, use TollGuru Texas toll calculator
Recent Changes & Construction (2025)
Major Construction Project:
- $250 million widening project: Expanding 13-mile southern section from 2 to 4 lanes
- Construction zone: FM 1187 in Tarrant County to US 67 in Johnson County
- Timeline: Construction expected to begin summer 2025, completion late 2028
- NTTA Board approval: May 2025 for $188.9 million in construction contracts
Economic Development:
- Amazon facility: 1.7 million square-foot operations center under construction in Cleburne
- Cleburne Station: 75-acre mixed-use development with retail, dining, and entertainment
- La Moderna Field: Minor league baseball stadium for Cleburne Railroaders
- Population growth: Phenomenal expansion since 2014 opening continues through 2025
Rate Changes:
- July 1, 2025: TollTag rates increased from $0.21 to $0.22 per mile
- ZipCash rates: Continue at double the TollTag rate (44 cents per mile)
- Biennial rate schedule: Next review expected in 2027
Future Connections:
- I-20 ramps: TxDOT planning direct connections to I-20 in southwest Fort Worth
- Enhanced access: Improved entrance and exit ramps to serve growing development
- Timeline: I-20 connection project still in planning phase
Major Exits & Destinations
Northern Section (Fort Worth Area):
- I-30: Northern terminus in downtown Fort Worth
- Risinger Road: Early access to southwest Fort Worth developments
- Cleburne Road: Connection to Fort Worth neighborhoods
- Granbury Road: Access to Crowley and surrounding communities
Central Section (Burleson Area):
- McAlister Road: Burleson city center access
- Wilshire Boulevard: Commercial and residential areas
- FM 1187 (Mansfield Highway): Major east-west arterial
- County Road 917: Access to growing residential developments
Southern Section (Johnson County):
- County Road 913: Rural Johnson County access
- Sparks Road: First main toll gantry location
- SH 171: Connection to Cleburne and points south
- US 67: Southern terminus and connection to Cleburne business district
Key Destinations:
- Cleburne Station: Mixed-use development with retail and dining
- La Moderna Field: Cleburne Railroaders baseball stadium
- Amazon Distribution Center: Major employment center
- Chisholm Trail Ranch: Planned mixed-use development (future)
Planning Your Journey
Traffic Patterns:
- Peak hours: 7-9 AM northbound to Fort Worth, 4-7 PM southbound
- Heaviest traffic: Northern section between I-30 and FM 1187
- Construction delays: Expect 5-10 minute delays during widening project (2025-2028)
- Weekend traffic: Lighter loads, good for recreational travel
Cost Considerations:
- Daily commuting: $3-6 with TollTag, $6-12 without
- Annual TollTag savings: $750-1,500 for regular Fort Worth-Cleburne commuters
- Business travel: Direct route saves 15-25 minutes versus surface roads
- Fuel savings: Highway speeds and direct routing reduce fuel consumption
Alternative Routes:
- US 67: Free route but significantly slower with multiple traffic lights
- I-35W to I-35E: Longer but toll-free route through central DFW
- Surface roads: Crowley Road, Burleson Road - much slower but free
- Expect 20-35 minutes additional travel time on free alternatives
Construction Impact:
- Current capacity: 2 lanes each direction from FM 1187 to US 67
- Construction zone: Expect temporary lane closures and reduced speeds
- Completion benefits: 4-lane capacity will improve traffic flow and safety
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drive the full length of Chisholm Trail Parkway?
The full 27.6-mile trip from Fort Worth to Cleburne costs $6.07 with a TollTag and $12.14 without one. This represents a 50% savings with electronic toll collection.
Can I avoid Chisholm Trail Parkway tolls?
Yes, but with significant time penalties. US 67 provides a free alternative but adds 20-35 minutes due to traffic lights and lower speed limits. The toll road was built to provide a faster, more direct route.
When will the construction be completed?
The $250 million widening project is expected to begin in summer 2025 and be completed in late 2028. The project will widen the southern 13-mile section from 2 to 4 lanes.
What happens if I don't pay Chisholm Trail Parkway tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with additional fees, potential vehicle registration blocks, and possible misdemeanor charges under Texas law. NTTA has aggressive collection practices for habitual violators.
Does the parkway connect to I-20?
Not directly yet. TxDOT is planning entrance and exit ramps to connect the Chisholm Trail Parkway to I-20 in southwest Fort Worth, but this project is still in the planning phase with no confirmed timeline.
Are there any speed limits I should know about?
Yes, speed limits vary by section. The northern section near Fort Worth has lower limits (55-65 mph) due to development, while the southern section allows higher speeds (70-75 mph). Always obey posted speed limits, especially in construction zones.
Chisholm Trail Parkway History
Construction Timeline:
- 2005: Environmental clearance received
- 2008-2010: Initial construction phases began
- 2011: Southwest Parkway section renamed to Chisholm Trail Parkway
- 2013: Old Granbury Road permanently closed at toll road intersection
- May 11, 2014: Entire 27.6-mile parkway opened to traffic
Project Details:
- Total construction cost: Approximately $1.4 billion
- Collaboration: NTTA, TxDOT, NCTCOG, Tarrant and Johnson counties
- Railroad coordination: Fort Worth & Western and Union Pacific railroads
- Unique opening: Entire length opened simultaneously, unlike other toll roads
Name Origin:
- Named after the historic Chisholm Trail cattle-driving route
- Historic trail ran from Texas to Kansas in the 1860s-1880s
- Modern parkway follows a similar north-south corridor
- Connects Fort Worth, a major cattle town, to rural Johnson County
Public Art:
- Ten "Watershed Crossing Markers": Monumental glass and stone columns
- Located in first 8.5 miles within Fort Worth city limits
- Collaboration with Fort Worth Public Art program
- Designed to complement the natural landscape
Economic Impact
Development Growth:
- Phenomenal population growth in corridor since 2014 opening
- Major residential developments in Burleson, Crowley, and Cleburne
- Commercial development along entire route
- Forecast: Continued growth through 2050 and beyond
Major Employers:
- Amazon Distribution Center: 1.7 million square feet, 800-1,000 jobs
- Various manufacturing and logistics companies
- Retail and service businesses serving growing population
- Healthcare and education facilities
Future Development:
- Chisholm Trail Ranch: Planned mixed-use development with entertainment
- Additional residential communities throughout corridor
- Retail and dining expansion in Cleburne Station
- Industrial development near Amazon facility
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- NTTA Toll Roads - North Texas Tollway Authority system overview
- Dallas Toll Roads - Complete DFW area toll information
- Dallas North Tollway - NTTA's flagship toll road
- President George Bush Turnpike - East-west beltway
- TollTag Account - Account setup and management
- Pay Toll Texas - Texas payment methods and procedures
Official Resources:
- NTTA Customer Service: 817-731-6882 or 972-818-6882
- TollTag Account Management: ntta.org
- Construction Updates: ntta.org/chisholm-trail-parkway-ctp
- Roadside Assistance: Dial #999 from any NTTA road (free service)
Local Information:
- City of Fort Worth: 817-392-7777
- City of Burleson: 817-426-9600
- City of Cleburne: 817-645-0908
- Tarrant County: 817-884-1111
- Johnson County: 817-556-6323
Mobile Apps:
- TollMate (NTTA): Account management and toll calculation
- TollPerks: Rewards program enrollment and redemption
