If you live or work in Fort Worth’s South or East areas, you’ve likely felt the effects of the US-287/I-820/I-20 expansion project. For many businesses, the ongoing construction has added layers of complexity to daily operations, from employee commutes to shipping logistics. 

The Fort Worth Chamber’s Area Boards and Business Champions exist to elevate these very challenges. By listening to local businesses and raising their concerns, our volunteers help shape the Chamber’s Business Advocacy work. In this case, repeated feedback about the project’s impact led directly to action when the South and East Area Boards invited TXDOT representatives overseeing the project to attend a recent meeting. 

During the discussion, TXDOT provided an overview (found below this article) of the Southeast Connector project, shared updates on current progress, and highlighted what to expect in the months ahead. Attendees also learned about tools to stay informed through TXDOT resources that offer real-time alerts on lane closures, accident delays, and construction changes. 

This is the purpose of Business Advocacy: listening to the business community, elevating concerns, and bringing the right voices to the table. By creating direct lines of communication between employers and decision-makers, we work to address challenges that affect Fort Worth’s business climate. 

We encourage members to stay engaged: 

• Share challenges you’re facing with the Chamber or your Area Board. 

• Stay connected to TXDOT through their update systems for timely construction alerts. 

• Consider volunteering with Business Advocacy initiatives to help amplify the voice of business across Fort Worth. 

Our region is growing, and projects of this scale bring both disruption and opportunity. With your input, the Chamber is committed to making sure Fort Worth’s business climate remains strong and resilient through it all. 

Please find the notes from the September 2025 meeting shared below.  

Overview 

• Project: Southeast Connector 

• Owner: TxDOT Fort Worth District 

• Contractor: South Point Constructors (design-build) 

• Budget: $2.1 billion 

• Timeline: Design began in 2022, construction began in 2023, targeted completion in 2028 

• Scope: Reconstruction and expansion of I-20, I-820, and US 287 corridors, including interchanges, frontage roads, sidewalks, and aesthetic improvements. 

Project Scope & Features 

• Coverage: 
  • I-20: Forest Hill Dr. to Little Rd. 
  • I-820: Brentwood Stair Rd. to I-20 interchange 
  • US 287: Village Creek Rd. to Little Rd. 

• Improvements: 
  • Additional lanes (general-purpose, no toll lanes) 
  • Collector-distributor roads on I-20 for smoother traffic flow 
  • Texas turnarounds (U-turns) at major intersections 
  • Upgraded intersections and traffic signals (e.g., Village Creek Rd.) 
  • Sidewalks and 10-ft shared-use paths (~145,000 sq yds) 
  • Noise barriers, bridge aesthetics (paint, Texas map details, column formwork) 

Construction Progress by Segment 

• Segment 1 (North end: Brentwood Stair Rd. to Ramey Ave) 
  • Focus on medians, frontage roads, bridge demolitions (Lancaster Ave, Craig ST) 
  • Traffic detoured during work, bridges being rebuilt with higher clearance 
  • Craig St. utilities relocation finished in 2024; bridge reopening by summer 2026 

• Segment 3 (Berry St to Sun Valley Dr, including US 287 interchange) 
  • New pavement open in parts (northbound lanes, Carey St. area) 
  • Ongoing southbound and frontage road work 
  • Sun Valley Bridge slated for demolition later in 2025; roadway elevation will be raised for truck clearance 

• Segment 4 (I-20/I-820/US 287 interchange) 
  • Work on frontage roads and main lanes 
  • Anglin Dr bridge demo complete; reconstruction underway 
  • Union Pacific railroad bridge girders placed, deck pours soon 
  • New frontage road connections between Anglin Dr. and Business 287 to improve local access 

Outreach & Public Communication 

• Engagement: 
  • Opt-in to receive weekly email and instant text alerts for lane closures, detours, and emergencies 
  • Email: contactus@southeastconnector.com 
  • SMS Alerts. Text ‘SEC’ to (817) 518-7555 
  • Hotline: 844-828-2870