The Texas Turnpike Authority (TTA) was established as a state agency in 1953.

The TTA’s first project was the Dallas-Fort Worth Turnpike, started in 1955 and completed in 1957. In 1977, when all outstanding bonds were retired 17 years ahead of schedule and the road was transferred to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) as a toll-free highway. TxDOT designated the former DFW Turnpike as Interstate Highway 30 (IH-30).

In 1966 the TTA began its second project, the Dallas North Tollway, The first segment opened to motorists in 1968.

In 1977, TTA initiated construction on the two-mile Mountain Creek Lake Bridge in Grand Prairie which was opened to traffic in 1979.

The TTA also began projects in other areas of Texas, including the Houston Ship Channel Bridge which is presently operated by the Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA).

On September 1, 1997, the TTA assets and liabilities in North Texas were transferred to the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA).

Austin attorney Pete Winstead previously served at the chairman of the TTA.