Dallas North Tollway Remains Tolled Despite 1970s Prediction

Decades-old WFAA report sparked confusion over the tollway's future status.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 4:20am

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A recently resurfaced 1975 WFAA news report on the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) sparked online outrage after a reporter claimed the tollway would become free by 2005 once it was paid off. However, the creation of the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) in 1997 and subsequent expansion of the toll road system has kept the DNT and other area tollways in operation with tolls to this day.

Why it matters

The enduring presence of tolls on the DNT and other North Texas roads has been a source of frustration for many drivers, leading to misconceptions about who owns and operates the toll system and how the revenue is used.

The details

In the 1975 WFAA report, the reporter stated that the tollway 'will be paid off by the year 2005' and 'we can all look forward to a free ride.' However, the creation of the NTTA in 1997 and its acquisition of the DNT and associated debt meant the tollway remained in operation with tolls to pay for maintenance, expansion, and debt repayment. The NTTA is a not-for-profit government entity, not a private or foreign-owned company, and its board members are appointed by local county governments, not the Texas governor.

  • In 1975, a WFAA news report predicted the Dallas North Tollway would become free by 2005.
  • The North Texas Tollway Authority was created by the Texas Legislature in 1997 and acquired the Dallas North Tollway.
  • The Dallas North Tollway's debt is currently scheduled to be paid off in 2048, though more projects could extend that timeline.

The players

North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)

A not-for-profit government entity that operates the Dallas North Tollway and other toll roads in the region, acquiring the DNT and its debt in 1997.

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)

The state agency that operates the TEXPress managed toll lanes alongside major interstates, which are sometimes confused with NTTA's toll roads.

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What they’re saying

“'They predict the tollway will be paid off by the year 2005. So thirty years from now, we can all look forward to a free ride on what will be the old North Dallas Tollway.'”

— Jane Horwitz, WFAA Reporter

What’s next

The NTTA's current debt repayment schedule has the Dallas North Tollway remaining tolled until at least 2048, though additional projects could extend that timeline further.

The takeaway

This case highlights the disconnect between decades-old predictions about the Dallas North Tollway becoming toll-free and the reality of the region's expanding toll road network, which continues to rely on toll revenue to fund operations, maintenance, and expansion.