Texas Rail Plans Move Forward

“We’re never going to be able to support enough concrete to accommodate all our traffic.”

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

While plans for the Houston-Dallas high-speed rail line remain just that — plans — another speedy rail connection for Texas is under consideration, between Fort Worth and Dallas.

That Fort Worth-Dallas line took a step forward Tuesday when the Fort Worth City Council agreed to create a local government cooperation with Dallas to govern intercity passenger rail service, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.

The earliest a train could travel between the two cities is likely 2023, but Fort Worth Assistant City Manager Jay Chapa says the multijurisdiction agency is “a step in a long series of steps that would have to occur, but it sets up the framework for the governing entity for the creation, funding and actual construction of the line.” It also sends a message to the Texas DOT that both cities are invested in the project.

The line, called the DFW Core Express, would stretch 30 to 40 miles, likely either down Interstate 30 or along the Trinity Railway Express corridor, at speeds of between 70 and 125 mph. A $15 million environmental impact study of the possible route is underway, and should be completed in 2018. Funding details for the project haven’t been released.

The Dallas City Council is expected to approve the local government corporation by the end of May. Both cities are also considering adding a stop in Arlington and bringing that city into the corporation.

Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price has aggressively advocated for the rail line, and says it’s a major piece of the city’s transit future. “We’re never going to be able to support enough concrete to accommodate all our traffic,” Price said.

The hope is to also include Houston, Austin and San Antonio in the routes, according to the Fort Worth Business Press. The 240-mile Houston-Dallas high-speed rail line would cost $12 billion and would travel at speeds of more than 200 mph. The DFW Core Express would share the downtown Dallas station for the Houston-Dallas line.

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Kelsey E. Thomas is a writer and editor based in the most upper-left corner of the country. She writes about urban policy, equitable development and the outdoors (but also about nearly everything else) with a focus on solutions-oriented journalism. She is a former associate editor and current contributing editor at Next City.

Follow Kelsey

Tags: commutinghigh-speed raildallastexas

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1108 other sustainers such as:

  • William in Washington, DC at $10/Month
  • Peter at $5/Month
  • Pilar in Lehigh Acres, FL at $5/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×