The 1973 DFW toll plazas embodied a bold Brutalist, minimalist design that matched the airport’s architecture under HOK and Gyo Obata, using modular, pre-cast concrete to create a cohesive, monumental look. Massive horizontal canopies, supported by thick pillars, extended over multiple lanes to shield traffic, while below, reinforced concrete islands with rounded “bullnoses” separated lanes and protected compact steel-and-glass toll booths. 

The plazas expanded dramatically from International Parkway into large, multi-lane layouts divided between inbound ticketing and outbound payment, with integrated support structures for operations. These imposing concrete gateways remained in use for decades before being replaced by electronic toll systems and modern overhead gantries.