Toll 49 and East Texas Hourglass Overview

Maps

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The Toll 49 Corridor is the NET RMA’s primary project to improve mobility in the region by alleviating traffic congestion on the existing roadways in northeast Texas, providing a safer and more convenient route for traveling through the region, and increasing opportunities for economic growth in the rural areas of northeast Texas.  The NET RMA is responsible for the planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of Toll 49. 

The Toll 49 Corridor is planned as an ultimate four-lane divided, rural toll road which traverses Smith, Gregg, Upshur, and Harrison counties and connects the cities of Tyler, Longview, and Marshall. Two of the ultimate four lanes of Toll 49 Segments 1-5 have been constructed and are in operation between US 69 in Lindale and SH 110 southeast of Tyler.  Alternating passing lanes have also been constructed along portions of the toll road.  Future expansion of the toll road to four lanes will depend on traffic needs and funding. 

Existing Toll 49  

Ultimate Toll 49

Proposed future Segments 6, 7, and 8, together with existing Toll 49 Segments 1-5 are referred to as the East Texas Hourglass (ETHG).  The ETHG proposes to utilize US 271 and Loop 485, which are both existing, non-tolled state highways, as a connection between Segments 6 and 7 of the Toll 49 Corridor.  Once completed, the ETHG would provide regional mobility and extend from US 69 north of Lindale in Smith County, around the south side of Tyler and the north side of Longview in Gregg County, to the I-69 Corridor on US 59 (Future I-369) north of Marshall in Harrison County. For a visual reference, please see the map above. 

TRAVEL ON TOLL 49 IS EASY AND CONVENIENT 

Customers are able to travel Toll 49 from one end of the toll road to the other without having to slow down to pay a toll.  Customers using a TollTag or other interoperable toll tags (EZ Tag, TxTag, and some tags issued in Colorado and Florida) pay a lower toll rate, Customers without one of these toll tags will have their license plate captured by video cameras, and an invoice from ZipCash will be sent to the vehicle’s registered owner via mail.  Either way, customers on Toll 49 are able to drive the roadway without delays or disruptions.   

Toll 49 offers drivers a choice of an efficient and convenient method of traveling through the region and around Tyler, as well as providing quick access to I-20 for travel to Dallas, Shreveport, and points beyond.