Alliance Connector Complete Guide: SH 170, Rates & Payment 2025
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Alliance Connector Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TollTag) + ZipCash pay-by-mail
Coverage: State Highway 170 (Alliance Gateway Freeway) from I-35W to SH 114
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Technology: TollTag transponders, License plate recognition, NTTA toll collection
Operators: North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
Do I Need a TollTag for Alliance Connector? 2025 Update
No, you don't need a TollTag to drive on Alliance Connector (SH 170) - but you'll pay exactly double without one. TollTag users pay $0.22 per mile while ZipCash (pay-by-mail) customers pay twice that amount at $0.44 per mile as of July 1, 2025.
Key Reality: Alliance Connector serves the major AllianceTexas business park and Fort Worth Alliance Airport corridor. Without a TollTag, you'll receive ZipCash bills by mail at premium rates, making daily business travel significantly more expensive.
2025 Update: The Alliance Connector toll road (SH 170) opened March 18, 2024, with tolled main lanes operating under NTTA's standard rate structure. Toll rates increased July 1, 2025, following NTTA's biennial adjustment schedule.
Alliance Connector Toll Costs: Current Rates
Alliance Connector (State Highway 170) operates as a 6-mile tolled freeway connecting I-35W to SH 114, serving the AllianceTexas business park, Fort Worth Alliance Airport, and BNSF Railway Alliance Intermodal Facility.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (2025)
| Vehicle Class | TollTag Rate | ZipCash Rate | Full Route Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passenger Cars (2-Axle) | $0.22/mile | $0.44/mile | $1.32 (TollTag) / $2.64 (ZipCash) |
| Motorcycles | $0.22/mile | $0.44/mile | $1.32 (TollTag) / $2.64 (ZipCash) |
| Light Trucks (3-Axle) | $0.33/mile | $0.66/mile | $1.98 (TollTag) / $3.96 (ZipCash) |
| Heavy Trucks (4+ Axles) | $0.44-0.77/mile | Double TollTag rate | $2.64-$4.62 (TollTag) |
Where You Pay Tolls on Alliance Connector (2025)
Main Toll Road: SH 170 (Alliance Gateway Freeway) tolled main lanes from I-35W to SH 114 (6 miles)
Key Destinations: AllianceTexas business park, Fort Worth Alliance Airport, BNSF Railway Alliance Intermodal Facility, Circle T Ranch
Frontage Roads: Free access roads available parallel to tolled main lanes
How to Pay Alliance Connector Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods on Alliance Connector:
1. TollTag Electronic System:
- Free TollTag transponder with no monthly fees
- 50% savings versus ZipCash pay-by-mail rates
- Account options: $10, $20, or $40 initial funding
- Compatible with all NTTA toll roads in DFW metroplex
- Works on toll roads in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Florida, and Colorado
2. Compatible Toll Tags:
- TollTag (NTTA) - Provides lowest rates and best customer service
- TxTag (TxDOT) - Statewide Texas Department of Transportation transponder
- EZ TAG (Harris County) - Houston-area toll authority transponder
- PikePass (Oklahoma) - Compatible through interstate agreements
- K-TAG (Kansas) - Works on Alliance Connector through regional cooperation
3. ZipCash Pay-by-Mail:
- Automatic license plate recognition for vehicles without toll tags
- Double TollTag rates - $0.44 per mile versus $0.22 per mile
- Bills mailed to registered vehicle owner within 30 days
- Online payment available through NTTA ZipCash portal
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types on Alliance Connector, use TollGuru Texas toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
Road Opening and Operations:
- March 18, 2024: Alliance Connector main lanes opened to traffic between I-35W and SH 114
- All toll collection systems operational with full NTTA integration
- Frontage roads remain free for local access to businesses and residential areas
Rate Adjustments:
- July 1, 2025: Standard NTTA rate increase from $0.21 to $0.22 per mile for passenger cars
- ZipCash rates now double TollTag rates in line with all NTTA facilities
- Heavy vehicle rates adjusted proportionally based on axle count
Economic Development:
- $80 million INFRA grant awarded for AllianceTexas Smart Port development
- Charles Schwab global headquarters operational at Circle T Ranch adjacent to SH 170
- Enhanced connectivity to BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility improving freight movement
Alliance Area Toll Information
Connected NTTA Toll Roads:
- Chisholm Trail Parkway - North-south corridor through Fort Worth connecting to Alliance area
- I-35W TEXpress Lanes - Managed lanes connecting to Alliance Connector via I-35W
- DFW Toll Roads - Complete Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex toll network
Major Destinations Served:
- AllianceTexas business park - 27,000-acre master-planned development
- Fort Worth Alliance Airport - Cargo and general aviation facility
- BNSF Railway Alliance Intermodal Facility - Major freight transportation hub
- Circle T Ranch - Charles Schwab global headquarters location
Planning Your Journey
Cost Considerations:
- Daily commuter tolls: $1.32 with TollTag, $2.64 with ZipCash (full route)
- Business travel to Alliance area: Significant time savings versus frontage roads
- Airport access: Direct route to Fort Worth Alliance Airport for cargo operations
- Annual TollTag savings: $300-500 for regular Alliance Connector users
Business and Freight Benefits:
- Direct access to BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility reducing truck travel time
- Enhanced connectivity for 500+ companies in AllianceTexas business park
- Improved freight movement efficiency for national supply chain operations
Toll-Free Alternatives:
- SH 170 frontage roads - Free but limited access and slower speeds
- SH 114 - Free east-west alternative route but longer distance
- Local surface roads - Available but add 15-30 minutes to typical trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I avoid Alliance Connector tolls completely?
Yes, free frontage roads run parallel to the tolled main lanes, but they have more traffic lights and reduced speeds. Alternative routes via SH 114 or local roads add 15-30 minutes but avoid tolls entirely.
What happens if I don't pay Alliance Connector tolls?
Unpaid tolls result in ZipCash bills at double the TollTag rate, with late fees and potential vehicle registration blocks for habitual violators following standard NTTA enforcement procedures.
Do commercial vehicles pay different rates?
Yes, Alliance Connector uses NTTA's standard commercial vehicle rate structure based on axle count. Heavy trucks pay $0.44-0.77 per mile with TollTag, double that amount with ZipCash.
Can I use out-of-state toll tags on Alliance Connector?
Yes, Alliance Connector accepts TollTag, TxTag, EZ TAG, PikePass, and K-TAG transponders. However, TollTag provides the best rates and customer service for regular users in the DFW area.
How does Alliance Connector benefit freight operations?
The toll road provides direct access to BNSF Alliance Intermodal Facility, reducing truck travel times and improving efficiency for the 4.2 million trucks annually serving the facility. This supports national supply chain operations through one of the country's largest intermodal hubs.
Alliance Connector vs. Neighboring Countries
| Country | System Type | Typical Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (Alliance Connector) | Electronic + Pay-by-mail | $0.22/mile (TollTag) | Single corridor |
| Mexico | Cash + Electronic | $0.05-0.10/mile | Major highways |
| Canada | Limited tolls | $2-5/crossing | Select bridges/highways |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- US Toll Roads - Complete United States toll information
- Texas Toll Roads - Statewide Texas toll system overview
- DFW Toll Roads - Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex toll network
- Fort Worth Toll Roads - Tarrant County toll facilities
- Chisholm Trail Parkway - Connected Fort Worth toll corridor
NTTA Customer Service:
- TollTag Customer Service: (972) 818-NTTA (6882) or (817) 731-NTTA (6882)
- NTTA Roadside Assistance: Free for TollTag customers on NTTA roads
- Alliance area business information: AllianceTexas.com
