NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes Complete Guide: I-35W Dynamic Pricing & Alliance Connector 2025
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NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes Complete Guide
System: Dynamic Pricing Managed Lanes (TollTag, TxTag, EZ TAG + ZipCash)
Coverage: 16.8 miles on I-35W from downtown Fort Worth to Eagle Parkway (Alliance Airport)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: Electronic toll collection, dynamic pricing, license plate recognition
Operators: NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3 (private), NTTA billing
Do I Need a TollTag for NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a TollTag to use NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes - but you'll pay approximately 50% higher rates without one. These managed lanes use dynamic pricing that changes based on real-time traffic conditions to maintain minimum speeds of 50 mph along the I-35W corridor through Fort Worth.
Key Reality: Without a TollTag, TxTag, or EZ TAG, you'll receive ZipCash bills by mail at 50% higher rates plus processing fees. The recently opened Alliance Connector (Segment 3C) extends the system to Eagle Parkway near Alliance Airport.
2025 Update: NTE 35W now comprises four toll segments including the Alliance Connector that opened June 2023. HOV 2+ vehicles and motorcycles receive 50% discounts during peak periods (6:30-9 AM and 3-6:30 PM weekdays) when registered through GoCarma app. The $1.6 billion reconstruction project is fully operational with direct connections to NTE TEXpress Lanes.
NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes Toll Costs: Current Rates
NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes operate four toll segments with dynamic pricing designed to manage traffic demand and maintain 50+ mph speeds along the I-35W corridor from downtown Fort Worth to the Alliance area.
Current Dynamic Pricing Structure (2025)
| Segment | Location | TollTag/TxTag Rate | ZipCash Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segment 3A | I-35W (I-30 downtown to I-820) | $0.75-$15.00+ (varies by traffic) | 50% higher + processing |
| Segment 3B | I-35W (I-820 to north of US 287) | $0.75-$12.00+ (varies by traffic) | 50% higher + processing |
| Segment 3C | Alliance Connector (N. Tarrant Parkway to Eagle Parkway) | $0.75-$10.00+ (varies by traffic) | 50% higher + processing |
| Direct Connector | I-35W to I-820 TEXpress Lanes | Variable connection rate | 50% higher + processing |
Project Timeline & Infrastructure (2025)
| Phase | Completion Date | Investment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Segment 3A (I-30 to I-820) | July 2018 | $1.4 billion | Operational |
| Segment 3B (I-820 to US 287) | December 2016 | Part of $1.6B total | Operational |
| Segment 3C (Alliance Connector) | June 2023 | Over $1 billion | Recently opened |
| Total System | 2023 (Complete) | $1.6+ billion | 16.8 miles operational |
How to Pay NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods on NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes:
1. Electronic Payment Systems (Best Rates):
- TollTag (NTTA): Works on all Texas toll roads and select other states
- TxTag (TxDOT): Statewide compatibility across Texas
- EZ TAG: Houston-based transponder with Texas-wide coverage
- All provide lowest toll rates and HOV discount eligibility
2. ZipCash (License Plate Billing):
- Automatic license plate recognition
- Bills mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Approximately 50% higher rates than electronic payment
- Processing fees and administrative costs included
3. GoCarma HOV Registration (50% Discount):
- GoCarma app registration required for all HOV users
- Must have valid TollTag, TxTag, or EZ TAG
- Applies to vehicles with 2+ occupants and motorcycles
- Valid only during peak periods: 6:30-9 AM and 3-6:30 PM weekdays
- GPS and Bluetooth technology automatically verifies HOV status
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes and other Dallas-Fort Worth toll roads, use TollGuru toll calculator
Recent Changes & Alliance Connector Opening (2025)
Alliance Connector Completion (June 2023):
- Segment 3C opened June 20, 2023 - three months ahead of schedule
- 6.7-mile extension from N. Tarrant Parkway to Eagle Parkway (Alliance Airport)
- Over $1 billion investment in completely modernized infrastructure
- Direct connection between downtown Fort Worth and Alliance development
Complete System Operational (2025):
- Total 16.8 miles of managed lanes now operational along I-35W
- Four toll segments with dynamic pricing maintaining 50+ mph speeds
- Direct connector to NTE TEXpress Lanes on I-820 and SH 121/183
- Enhanced capacity serving over 200,000 vehicles daily
Technology & Safety Improvements:
- Latest technology infrastructure throughout the entire corridor
- Improved capacity, safety, and mobility for people, goods, and services
- Reconstructed main highway lanes and expanded frontage roads
- Enhanced connections between Fort Worth, Alliance, and Denton County
Fort Worth Area Transportation Information
North Tarrant Express Network:
- NTE TEXpress Lanes - I-820 and SH 121/183 Airport Freeway corridors
- North Tarrant Express Project - Complete $2.5+ billion multi-phase program
- NTE Mobility Partners - Private operator and concession information
- Alliance Airport Access - Transportation to Alliance development
Related Dallas-Fort Worth TEXpress Systems:
- LBJ TEXpress Lanes - Dallas area managed lanes on I-635 and I-35E
- I-30 TEXpress Lanes - State-operated connection between counties
- I-635 East TEXpress - Future TxDOT managed lanes opening 2025
- Southern Gateway TEXpress - Free reversible lanes on I-35E/US 67
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Single segment trips: $0.75-$15.00+ depending on traffic conditions
- Full corridor trips: $3.00-$50.00+ for all segments during peak congestion
- Alliance Airport access: Significant time savings with direct connection via Segment 3C
- HOV users save 50% during peak periods with GoCarma registration
Peak vs Off-Peak Travel:
- Peak periods: Higher dynamic pricing during 6:30-9 AM and 3-6:30 PM weekdays
- Off-peak rates: Generally lower prices evenings, nights, and weekends
- Alliance area travel: New Segment 3C provides reliable access to major employment center
- Real-time pricing displays on electronic signs before each segment
Free Alternatives:
- General purpose lanes: Free lanes adjacent to TEXpress Lanes (rebuilt and expanded)
- Frontage roads: Continuous frontage roads with improved access
- Alternative routes: I-30, I-20, and local surface streets (slower but toll-free)
- Note: Free lanes were completely reconstructed as part of the project
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes tolls?
Yes, completely rebuilt free general purpose lanes run parallel to the TEXpress Lanes throughout the corridor. The project reconstructed and expanded these free lanes, providing good alternatives without toll charges.
How does the Alliance Connector benefit travelers?
The Alliance Connector (Segment 3C) provides direct, high-speed access to Alliance Airport and the major business development area from downtown Fort Worth. It significantly reduces travel times to this major employment and logistics center.
What happens if I don't pay NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in violation notices with additional fees, potential vehicle registration blocks, and enforcement actions by NTTA. ZipCash bills are automatically sent to the registered vehicle owner at 50% higher rates.
How do I connect between NTE 35W and other TEXpress Lanes?
Direct connectors link NTE 35W TEXpress Lanes to the NTE TEXpress Lanes on I-820 and SH 121/183. These connections allow seamless travel throughout the North Tarrant Express network with separate toll charges for each segment used.
When was the complete NTE 35W system finished?
The complete NTE 35W system was finished in June 2023 with the opening of the Alliance Connector (Segment 3C). The earlier segments opened between 2016-2018, creating the current 16.8-mile continuous managed lane system.
Texas vs. Regional States
| Location | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Dynamic pricing managed lanes + traditional tolls | $0.75-$15.00+ per segment | Major metropolitan areas |
| Canada | Traditional tolls + HOV lanes | CAD $0.25-$4.50 | Ontario and select provinces |
| Mexico | Cash and electronic tolls | $0.50-$15.00 USD | Federal highways (autopistas) |
| United States | Varies by state | $0.05-$0.50 per mile | 25+ states with managed lanes |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- NTE TEXpress Lanes - I-820 and SH 121/183 corridor system
- North Tarrant Express Project - Complete multi-billion dollar program
- Alliance Connector Segment 3C - Latest extension to Eagle Parkway
- Fort Worth Toll Roads - Complete Tarrant County toll information
- TollTag Texas - Electronic payment setup and management
- GoCarma HOV Discounts - HOV app registration and benefits
Customer Service & Support:
- North Texas Tollway Authority: 972-818-NTTA (6882) - Billing and account support
- GoCarma Customer Service: 469-606-3920 - HOV discount setup (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
- NTE Mobility Partners Segments 3: Customer service for road conditions and pricing
- TEXpress Lanes General Info: (877) 525-3979 - General TEXpress information
