Celebration Today for Toll 49 Transfer

SMITH COUNTY — A public celebration is being held Saturday morning at 10:00 to mark the transfer of Toll 49 to local authorities. It happens on the roadway, about a half mile south of the bridge at I-20. The primary parties involved are the North East Texas Regional Mpbility Authority and TxDOT. The celebration is to commemorate the transfer of Toll 49 from TxDOT to the NET RMA, approved Thursday by the Texas Transportation Commission. Slated speakers include Chair of the NET RMA Linda Thomas, TTC member and former Chairman of the NET RMA Jeff Austin III, Senators Kevin Eltife & Robert Nichols, County Judge Joel Baker, and City Mayors Barbara Bass of Tyler and Robert Nelson of Lindale.

Activities include the Robert E. Lee Southern Belle Drill Team, Lindale ISD Band Drum Line, a vintage car show, Corvette Club representation, food & beverages provided by Collin Street Bakery & Villa Montez, and the Team Texas High Performance Driving School with 2 NASCARS & an Indy car on display. Segment 3B of Toll 49, connecting the toll road to I-20 for the first time, is expected to open around March 29.