Traffic on State Highway 360 in Arlington should be a bit lighter thanks to the opening of the new President George Bush Turnpike Western Extension, also known as State Highway 161. This $535 million project is an extension of the Bush Turnpike, connecting Interstates 20 and 30, between State Highway 360 and the combination of Spur 408 and Loop 12.

The main lanes from just north of I-30 south to I-20 opened to trafffic on October 15, in addition to the four-level interchange at I-20 and six of the eight direct connector ramps and bridges at the I-30 interchange.

"The opening of State Highway 161 will go a long way to relieving congestion on Highway 360 in Arlington during rush hour,' said Keith Melton, Director of Public Works and Transportation.

According to the North Texas Toll Authority (NTTA), more than 100,000 cars are expected to travel the new toll road each day. Toll rates will be the same as throughout its system- an average of 15.3 cents per mile. You can purchase TollTags at Arlington City Hall, located at 101 W. Abram Street, or visit the NTTA website for a list of TollTag partner locations.