A $1.4 billion expansion of Stemmons Freeway between Interstate 635 and Denton was completed in 2017. The project was phase 1 of the planned ultimate corridor design. The new collector-distributor lanes between the Bush Turnpike (SH 190) and Rayburn Turnpike (SH 121) are hugely beneficial, as is the new Lake Lewisville bridge. But other parts of the project were built to low standards with narrow lanes.

In July 2021 a $655 million contract was awarded for the second and final phase of work between IH 635 and the Bush Turnpike. This project will widen the corridor, provide a minimum of 8 main lanes, and add pavement for up to 4 managed lanes. Projects to complete the freeway to the ultimate design north of the Bush Turnpike are scheduled for the 2020s.