If you are shopping for a home anywhere along US 380, from east McKinney out to Princeton, there is one road project you need to understand. The US 380 bypass is TxDOT’s plan to move through traffic off the most congested stretch of 380 in Collin County. Here is what it is, where it goes, what it costs, and when it might actually open.
Why 380 matters to your move
US 380 is the main road connecting McKinney to Princeton, which sits east of McKinney right on 380. It is the same corridor that carries drivers between Princeton and the new passenger terminal at McKinney National Airport, about a 20 minute drive via FM 546 and US 380. If you are looking at homes in Princeton or east McKinney, this road is your daily life. That is why the bypass plan matters so much to your commute.
What the bypass actually is
The bypass is an 8 lane freeway that wraps around north McKinney. It starts near Coit Road on the west side and reconnects with US 380 near FM 1827 on the east side. The idea is simple. Traffic that is just passing through McKinney takes the new freeway, and local trips stay on 380. We cover the full airport story, including the new terminal opening in our McKinney airport area guide.
The route TxDOT chose
TxDOT studied several possible alignments and chose the Blue Alternative in September 2023. That choice came with the final Environmental Impact Statement and Record of Decision, which is the federal green light that lets a project move toward construction.
What it costs
TxDOT’s estimate for the bypass is 3.27 billion dollars. That is the number to remember if you see older coverage with a bigger figure. The funding picture is what drives everything after this point, because right of way comes first and construction follows when funding is in place.
The timeline
TxDOT said construction was not expected before 2026 or 2027 at the earliest, pending funding. The latest public update we have seen is that TxDOT is actively acquiring right of way for the project, and the City of McKinney has noted construction tentatively scheduled to begin in 2026. Check TxDOT’s project page for the current status before you plan a move around any date.
What it means for your commute
Short term, US 380 through McKinney stays busy, and once construction begins you should expect several years of work zones along the corridor. Long term, the bypass is designed to pull through traffic off 380, which is what makes that stretch so slow at rush hour. Our advice has not changed. Test drive 380 at the hours you will actually commute before you write an offer.
What it means for buyers
First, check how close a home you like is to the bypass corridor. Near the corridor can mean easier access once the road opens, and it also means living through the construction years. Second, treat 380 as the spine of this whole area. Princeton, east McKinney, and the towns farther east all feed into it. Third, remember that growth follows roads in North Texas. The corridor is one more reason buyers are looking east while prices there are still lower than McKinney proper. If McKinney is on your short list, see our McKinney page for the full picture of the area.
Your next step
Relocating to this corridor? Book a free strategy call with us and we will map your commute, your budget, and your timeline before you tour a single home. You can also download our free Start Here guide to North Texas.
Luke Jones, REALTOR, eXp Realty, Texas license #793146. TREC Information About Brokerage Services.