Proposals from four finalists are due to Texas DOT on March 14 for a roughly $870-million design-build contract for widening a 9.3-mile segment of SH 183 from I-35E to Dallas Ft. Worth Airport.

In a first for such a large project, the bids will come in from contractors, togther with an O&M contractor who will provide capital maintenance under a separate contract for 25 years and meet strict handback provisions.