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John Polster says 407 breakout and 35W corridor projects are funded; utility relocations must finish before letting
Summary
Denton County transportation official John Polster told the NorthlakeTown Council that the 407 breakout is fully funded and ready to be let once utility relocations are complete, with the team targeting a letting slot in September 2026.
John Polster, the county transportation representative, told the council the schematic and environmental clearance for the 407 project are expected this summer and that plan specifications and estimates work is under way.
Polster said the schematic and environmental clearance "we're thinking we'll get it cleared in June," and that Denton County entered an interlocal agreement on 05/17/2026 to fund PS&E for the first phase. He said the 407 breakout is fully funded at about $40.3 million and that the county front‑loaded regional revenue and back‑filled other sources to secure the project. "It's fully funded, and, we are petitioning that when there is a slot open up that we get it," he said, noting that TxDOT's constrained letting cycle means readiness does not guarantee an immediate contract award.
The presentation covered near‑term construction impacts as well: barriers and lane changes will begin on a related micro project, with most work scheduled overnight (roughly 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.) to limit daytime disruption. Polster said utility relocation completion is a key milestone: "If you'll see their utility relocation completion is September 2026. That's the last thing we have to do. Once that's done, the project's ready to lehi, and now we're just looking for a slot in the letting cycle." He also reviewed county plans to fund about $13 million in utility moves to accelerate the corridor's progress.
Polster outlined a phased approach for a large corridor package — breaking the work into multiple bid packets — and said frontage roads and interchange work would proceed where utilities are clear. Council members pressed staff on timing for nearby sections and on minimizing traffic trauma during construction; Polster said the team is emphasizing night work and short time windows for lane closures to keep the schedule tight.
Next steps: staff will continue right‑of‑way work, pursue letting slots with TxDOT, and provide updates to council as utility relocations and PS&E milestones are met.
