Keeping track of every construction project in Rowlett so you don't get caught off guard. Updated March 2026.
ACTIVE PROJECTS:
1. Sapphire Bay Blvd Extension
- What: New road connecting Sapphire Bay development to Bayside area and PGBT access
- Status: Under construction, Phase 2
- Timeline: Estimated completion Q4 2026 (originally Q2 2026 — delayed due to utility relocation)
- Impact: Intermittent lane closures on Dalrock Rd near the lake. Flaggers present during peak hours.
- Why it matters: When complete, this gives Sapphire Bay direct PGBT access without going through the Dalrock/66 mess.
2. Chiesa Rd Widening (Rowlett Rd to Miller Rd)
- What: Expanding from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with center turn lane, adding sidewalks and bike lanes
- Status: Active construction — eastbound lane restricted
- Timeline: Estimated completion Q3 2026
- Impact: Heavy — expect 10-15 minute delays during construction hours (7am-6pm weekdays). Use Miller Rd as alternate.
- Why it matters: Chiesa has been a bottleneck for years as neighborhoods north of 66 grew. This was overdue.
3. Merritt Rd Bridge Replacement
- What: Replacing the aging bridge over Rowlett Creek
- Status: Bridge closed to through traffic. Detour via Dalrock or Liberty Grove.
- Timeline: Estimated reopening August 2026
- Impact: Moderate if you use Merritt Rd. Detour adds 8-10 minutes.
4. Water main replacement — Lakeview Pkwy (between Dalrock and PGBT)
- What: Replacing 40-year-old water infrastructure
- Status: Active — intermittent lane closures, usually overnight 9pm-5am
- Timeline: Completion April 2026
- Impact: Minimal if you don't drive Lakeview late at night. Occasional boil water notices for adjacent businesses.
UPCOMING PROJECTS (approved, not yet started):
5. Highway 66 Corridor Improvements (TxDOT)
- What: Signal timing optimization, potential turn lane additions at major intersections (including Dalrock — finally)
- Status: Traffic study in progress, construction not yet funded
- Timeline: Construction likely 2027-2028 if funded
- Source: TxDOT Dallas District project list
6. Rowlett Rd / PGBT Interchange Improvements
- What: Ramp modifications to reduce weaving near DART station
- Status: Design phase
- Timeline: TBD — likely late 2027
COMPLETED RECENTLY:
- PGBT/66 Diverging Diamond interchange — OPEN. If you haven't driven it yet, it's the diamond-shaped intersection that looks confusing but actually flows much better than the old setup.
How to stay updated:
- City of Rowlett Engineering page: rowlett.com/engineering
- Rowlett City Manager's weekly update email (sign up on the city website)
- Waze community reports for real-time closures
Sources:
- City of Rowlett Capital Improvement Projects page (rowlett.com)
- TxDOT Dallas District project list
- Rowlett City Council meeting minutes (monthly project updates)
- Waze and Google Maps real-time traffic data
Merritt Rd bridge closure has been killing my commute. The Dalrock detour adds 10 minutes each way. August can't come fast enough.