After 30 months of construction on a $1.4-billion project, major traffic relief is upon North Texans.
The 27.6-mile Chisholm Trail Parkway toll road opens to drivers Sunday. But Saturday it was open to runners and bikers.
"It was really great to be a part of history because this event will never happen again,” said Tricia Smit, of Arlington, after her run. “It was very smooth, a little hilly and windy, but a beautiful day and a lot of fun."
"It was my first time running a half marathon, so I loved it,” said Rod Hurst. “I ran the whole way. It was all pretty much downhill and I enjoyed myself."
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An estimated 2,000 people ran a half-marathon or 5K and another 1,500 rode their bikes on the new nearly 28-mile toll road connecting downtown Fort Worth south to Cleburne. Come Sunday, you can put your car on it, but be sure and get a TollTag if you don't have one already.
"Looks like it's going to be a beautiful toll way and a really nice way to travel south of the Metroplex and not have to battle traffic,” said Mike Saffle, of Mansfield.
"It'll speed things up. We need it, so I look forward to it," added Hurst.
It took more than 40 years of and collaboration between 10 public and private entities to open the toll road.
Proceeds from the event benefit CASA of Tarrant County and CASA of Johnson County, nonprofits that help neglected and abused children.
