Mountain Creek Lake Bridge Complete Guide: Rates, TollTag & Routes 2025
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Mountain Creek Lake Bridge Complete Guide
System: Electronic toll collection (TollTag) + ZipCash license plate billing
Coverage: Spur 303 between Grand Prairie and Dallas across Mountain Creek Lake
Length: 7,425-foot bridge, 2.5-mile total roadway
Technology: RFID transponders, ANPR cameras, open road tolling
Operator: North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA)
Do I Need TollTag for Mountain Creek Lake Bridge? 2025 Update
No, you don't need TollTag to use Mountain Creek Lake Bridge - but you'll pay double without one. The bridge operates with NTTA's electronic toll collection system, accepting TollTag for the lowest rates or billing ZipCash customers at twice the TollTag rate.
Key Reality: ZipCash customers pay $2.50 versus TollTag's $1.25 for the same crossing (as of July 2025). For daily commuters crossing the bridge, this difference adds up to $325 annually in unnecessary fees.
2025 Update: NTTA increased toll rates July 1, 2025, as part of the system-wide rate adjustment. The bridge now costs $1.25 with TollTag or $2.50 with ZipCash, reflecting the new policy where ZipCash customers pay double the TollTag rate.
Mountain Creek Lake Bridge Costs: What You Actually Pay
Mountain Creek Lake Bridge uses a flat-rate toll structure based on vehicle axle count, with tolls collected at the western end of the bridge near Grand Prairie.
Current Toll Rates (Effective July 1, 2025)
| Vehicle Class | TollTag Rate | ZipCash Rate | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Axle (Cars, SUVs, Pickups) | $1.25 | $2.50 | $325 (daily use) |
| 3-Axle (Large trucks, RVs) | $1.88 | $3.75 | $487 (daily use) |
| 4-Axle (Trucks, Buses) | $2.50 | $5.00 | $650 (daily use) |
| 5-Axle (Tractor-trailers) | $3.13 | $6.25 | $812 (daily use) |
| 6+ Axle (Heavy trucks) | $3.75 | $7.50 | $975 (daily use) |
Route Connections and Regional Benefits
Mountain Creek Lake Bridge serves as a vital connection between Dallas and Tarrant counties:
| Connection | Western Access | Eastern Access | Counties Connected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Route | Grand Prairie (Spur 303) | Dallas (Spur 303) | Tarrant County to Dallas County |
| Western Approach | SE 14th Street | Mountain Creek Parkway | Direct lake crossing |
| Alternative Routes | I-20 corridor | Belt Line Road | Longer detour required |
How to Pay Mountain Creek Lake Bridge Tolls
You can use the following toll payment methods to pay tolls at Mountain Creek Lake Bridge:
1. TollTag Electronic Payment (Recommended):
- NTTA TollTag: Lowest rates, automatic account deduction
- Out-of-state tags: TxTag, EZ TAG, K-Tag, PikePass accepted
- Free TollTag with no monthly fees
- Automatic account replenishment from credit/debit card
2. ZipCash License Plate Billing:
- Automatic license plate recognition at toll plaza
- Invoice mailed to registered vehicle owner
- Double the TollTag rate (100% premium)
- 25-day payment cycle with late fees if unpaid
3. Payment Options:
- Online: Pay ZipCash bills at ntta.org
- Phone: Call 972-818-NTTA (6882) or 817-731-NTTA (6882)
- In-person: NTTA Customer Service Centers
- Auto-pay: Link credit/debit card to TollTag account
To calculate toll costs for cars, trucks, motorcycles and all vehicle types across Texas toll roads, use TollGuru Texas toll calculator
Recent Changes (2025)
July 1, 2025 Rate Increase:
- TollTag rates increased to $1.25 for 2-axle vehicles
- ZipCash rates doubled to $2.50 for 2-axle vehicles
- All vehicle classes received proportional increases
- Part of NTTA system-wide rate adjustment
ZipCash Rate Structure Change:
- ZipCash now costs 100% more than TollTag (previously 50% more)
- Change affects all NTTA facilities including the bridge
- Intended to offset rising collection costs
- Encourages electronic toll tag adoption
Maintenance and Improvements:
- Regular overnight closures for bridge maintenance and restriping
- Enhanced lighting systems for improved safety
- Updated toll plaza equipment for better reliability
- Improved emergency response protocols
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using ZipCash for Regular Crossings:
- Daily commuters waste $325+ annually without TollTag
- ZipCash bills can lead to late fees if not paid promptly
- Multiple unpaid bills trigger habitual violator status
- TollTag provides immediate toll convenience
Ignoring Maintenance Closures:
- Bridge closes periodically for maintenance and repairs
- Overnight closures typically occur on weekends
- Detour routes via I-20 add significant travel time
- Check NTTA website for scheduled closures
Driving Safety Issues:
- Bridge is 2.5 miles long with limited shoulders
- Strong winds can affect high-profile vehicles
- No wrong-way driving - serious accidents have occurred
- Maintain safe following distances on the bridge
Mountain Creek Lake Bridge vs. Regional Facilities
| Facility | Type | TollTag Rate | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mountain Creek Lake Bridge | Lake crossing bridge | $1.25 | 2.5 miles |
| Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge | Lake crossing bridge | $1.35 | 1.9 miles |
| Addison Airport Toll Tunnel | Underground tunnel | $0.77 | 0.7 miles |
| Dallas North Tollway | Highway system | $0.22/mile | 33 miles |
State/Regional Toll Information
North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) System:
- NTTA TollTag - Electronic toll collection system
- Dallas North Tollway - Major north-south NTTA facility
- President George Bush Turnpike - Major east-west NTTA facility
- Sam Rayburn Tollway - Connects to regional network
Related Dallas-Fort Worth Facilities:
- Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge - Northern lake crossing
- Addison Airport Toll Tunnel - Airport underpass
- Chisholm Trail Parkway - NTTA's Fort Worth facility
- SH 360 Tollway - Arlington area tollway
Regional Connections:
- Grand Prairie Tolls - City toll information
- Dallas County Tolls - County-wide toll facilities
- Tarrant County Tolls - Regional toll network
- Mountain Creek Lake - Recreational lake information
Planning Your Journey
Route Planning:
- Direct connection between Grand Prairie and Dallas
- Links Spur 303 across Mountain Creek Lake
- Saves detour via I-20 corridor
- Available 24/7 except during maintenance closures
Cost Considerations:
- One-time cost: $1.25 with TollTag vs. $2.50 with ZipCash
- Daily commuter: $325 annual savings with TollTag
- Weekly usage: $65 annual savings with TollTag
- Monthly usage: $30 annual savings with TollTag
Alternative Routes:
- I-20 corridor: Free but adds 15-20 minutes to trip
- Belt Line Road: Free alternative but longer route
- I-30 corridor: Free but congested during peak hours
- Surface streets: Multiple free options with longer travel times
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Mountain Creek Lake Bridge?
The bridge itself is 7,425 feet long, while the entire roadway from Grand Prairie to Dallas is 2.5 miles in total length. The bridge spans Mountain Creek Lake in the southwestern part of Dallas County.
When was Mountain Creek Lake Bridge built?
Construction began in 1977 and the bridge opened to traffic in 1979. It was NTTA's first toll bridge project and remains one of the longest bridge spans in the NTTA system.
Where is the toll collected on Mountain Creek Lake Bridge?
Tolls are collected at the western end of the bridge near Grand Prairie. The toll plaza is equipped for electronic toll collection in both directions, so you pay the same rate whether traveling eastbound or westbound.
Can trucks use Mountain Creek Lake Bridge?
Yes, trucks can use the bridge with standard height and weight restrictions. Toll rates increase with axle count, ranging from $1.25 for cars to $3.75 for 6+ axle trucks with TollTag.
Does the bridge ever close for maintenance?
Yes, the bridge periodically closes for maintenance, typically overnight on weekends. NTTA provides advance notice and detour routes via I-20. Check ntta.org for scheduled closures before traveling.
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- NTTA TollTag - Electronic toll collection system
- Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge - Northern lake crossing
- NTTA Toll Roads - Complete North Texas system
- Texas Toll Violations - Violation resolution procedures
- Grand Prairie Tolls - City toll information
NTTA Contact Information:
- NTTA Customer Service: 972-818-NTTA (6882) or 817-731-NTTA (6882)
- TollTag Support: Available 24/7 online at ntta.org
- ZipCash Billing: Pay online or call customer service
- Emergency: 911 or NTTA Roadside Assistance
