By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
COLLIN COUNTY — A drive that once required navigating rural backroads is now a more direct connection across northern Collin County. With the official opening of Segment 3C of the Collin County Outer Loop, drivers can now travel between the Dallas North Tollway and U.S. 75 without entering central McKinney — a link county officials describe as a strategic investment in long-range mobility and future growth management.
Segment 3C opened to the public on November 7, 2025, arriving ahead of its previously projected substantial completion date of March 2026, according to county records. The 8.9-mile segment runs from FM 2478 (Custer Road) to U.S. 75, connecting two of the region’s most heavily used corridors through what had been primarily agricultural land.
“This roadway will improve mobility and reduce travel times across the fast-growing northwest corridor of Collin County,” County Judge Chris Hill said. “I’m grateful for the hard work and dedication of everyone who helped make this project a reality.”
Part of a Long-Term Regional Vision
The Outer Loop is planned as a 53-mile controlled-access corridor intended to link nine highways from IH-35 to IH-30. Once fully developed, it is expected to serve both commuter and freight traffic, reducing reliance on U.S. 380 and State Highway 121, where congestion has intensified over the past decade.
In an email response to TX3DNews, Government Information Coordinator Derrick Jackson confirmed that Segment 3C was built with future capacity in mind:
“The roadway includes 2 lanes (future westbound) and was designed to allow additional lanes if needed,” Jackson wrote.
The project includes two new bridges — Honey Creek and the East Fork Trinity River — and was built using continuously reinforced concrete pavement, which reduces joint maintenance and is intended to support long-term high-volume use.
Cost and Funding
Jackson confirmed that construction from FM 2478 to U.S. 75 cost $62.7 million and was funded locally:
“Construction cost… is $62.7M and was funded through the County’s 2018 Bond,” he stated.
The project was developed through the Collin County Toll Road Authority, allowing the county to retain ownership and future planning control.
Which Segments Are Currently Open
According to Jackson, two portions of the Outer Loop are currently open to the public:
“The first set of service roads are open along Segment 3 from Huddleston Dr (just west of the DNT) to US 75 and Segment 1 is open from US 75 to TX 121.”
While these sections currently operate as service-road alignments, they form the initial public-use portions of what will eventually become a controlled-access highway.
Next Construction Phase Planned for 2026
Additional work on Segment 3 is planned but not yet underway.
“The second set of service roads on Segment 3 (from Legacy to just east of Choate Parkway) are under design with a tentative construction start around late summer/early fall of 2026,” Jackson wrote.
Future Segments Still in Study and Public Meetings Open
Jackson confirmed that Segments 2, 4, and 5 remain under engineering evaluation, alignment refinement, and environmental review:
“The technically preferred alignment for Segment 2 and 4 is being studied… Public Meeting #2 (in-person) will be held on November 18, at the Community High School Cafeteria in Nevada, Texas,” he wrote, noting that a virtual option will remain open Nov. 18 – Dec. 9.
“The technically preferred alignment for Segment 5 is being studied. A virtual public meeting will be held on November 13 and remains available for viewing and comment through December 15.”
Growth, Development Interest, and Land-Use Pressure
County planners have long indicated that major transportation corridors typically accelerate development interest. Properties near the new segment are already attracting attention from homebuilders, industrial developers, and logistics firms seeking access to north-south and east-west highway networks.
Local planning maps show thousands of acres north of Bloomdale Road and west of Lake Forest Drive zoned or designated for future mixed-use and industrial development. Some landowners view the change as economic opportunity, while others have expressed concern regarding the loss of open views and the rural character historically associated with northern Collin County.
Traffic, Safety, and Construction-Zone Protocol
When asked about resident access and work-zone safety, Jackson wrote:
“Traffic pattern changes are communicated via message boards and barricades/signage… The contractor is to provide property access throughout the duration of construction.”
He added that unauthorized movement of barricades has become a recurring safety issue:
“We do have an issue with the public moving barricades, causing a huge safety concern for the public and our construction workers/inspectors.”
Utilities and Corridor Support Infrastructure
While Collin County does not operate utility systems, Jackson said the county is coordinating with outside providers:
“Collin County does not provide utilities; however, we are working with local utility providers and allowing their facilities within the right-of-way if needed.”
Information Access and Public Transparency
County officials say public communication will remain active as construction and planning progress, with updated maps, presentations, and meeting notices posted online and shared through Commissioners Court briefings. Jackson emphasized the role of public participation, noting that “public input remains an important part of the alignment and design process.”
Residents along current or potential future alignment zones are encouraged to attend upcoming meetings or submit comments through the online public involvement system.
Residents seeking broader information on development and transportation activity in Collin County can visit the local section of TX3DNews.com.