The first phase of the project is expected to be complete by early 2029. Webber Construction was awarded the contract in December.
MCKINNEY, Texas — Construction is officially underway on a major highway expansion project aimed at easing congestion in one of Texas’ fastest-growing regions.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) held a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday for the Spur 399 expansion project in McKinney. The $182 million initiative is designed to widen Spur 399 and State Highway 5 between Stewart Road and Eldorado Parkway — a 1.9-mile stretch — from four lanes to six.
The first phase of the project is expected to be complete by early 2029. Webber Construction was awarded the contract in December.
TxDOT officials say the project is a response to rapid population growth in Collin County, particularly in the city of Princeton, which the U.S. Census Bureau recently named the fastest-growing city in the country. Princeton has more than doubled in population since 2020, and Highway 380 — the current primary corridor linking it to McKinney — remains mostly a two-lane road, contributing to severe traffic delays during peak hours.
“They started all this construction, new apartments, new homes, and they didn’t think about the roads,” said longtime area resident Annette Tolly, who moved to McKinney in 1994. “It’s super congested. During commuter traffic, it takes at least 25 to 30 minutes just to get through Princeton.”
The Spur 399 expansion is part of a larger long-term infrastructure plan for the area. Once complete, the expanded highway will loop around McKinney National Airport and eventually connect with U.S. 380. TxDOT estimates the full project will cost nearly $1 billion when factoring in utility relocation, right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction.
“Not only are you going to be able to get from east to west on the Spur 399 extension, but it also helps alleviate traffic and congestion on some of our arterial roadways,” said McKinney Assistant City Manager Jennifer Arnold.
While construction may take several years and bring temporary disruptions, officials emphasize the long-term benefits of improved safety, mobility and regional connectivity.
“What I would tell residents and people who travel along these roadways is be patient,” Arnold said. “Construction is disruptive, but the end product will be worth it.”