PLANO (AP) - A western extension of the President George Bush Turnpike in North Texas has opened.

Rush hour drivers in the Grand Prairie area on Monday began using a new stretch of State Highway 161, which connects Interstate-30 and Interstate-20. The North Texas Tollway Authority describes the extended roadway as another important link in the growing loop around the Dallas area.

The more than six-mile extension has an interim speed limit of 70 mph. Lower speed limits in construction areas will be posted.

NTTA last December opened an extension to Interstate 30 from northwest Garland.

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