Fort Worth's historic corridor set for a major overhaul

Fort Worth, Texas - 60% of the necessary funding for the renovation of East Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth has been secured. The Texas Transportation Commission recently set aside an additional $25 million for this project.

This recent contribution brings the total funds from local, state, and federal sources to $111 million. The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), responsible for overseeing this project, predicts the total cost to be around $182 million.

The planned renovation covers Lancaster Avenue from Pine Street to Interstate 820. The main goals are to improve safety and make the avenue more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.

While the engineering details are still being finalized, stakeholders are considering various improvements. These include dedicated lanes for public transportation, expanded crosswalks, and advanced traffic signal systems.

“Right now, that’s a roadway where you feel like you’ve gone back in time,” stated NCTCOG senior program manager Jeff Neal. “The intention is to update the corridor in line with the community's aspirations.”

Many believe this investment will draw further development interest to an area that has seen little in recent years. Neal underscored the project's potential transformation.

“You’ll witness a corridor that is significantly different from its current state,” Neal noted. “It could truly capture developers' attention.”

Historically, Lancaster Avenue was a crucial route connecting Dallas and Fort Worth, and was a part of the Bankhead Highway, the first paved highway crossing the U.S.

“The history of East Lancaster is primarily car-focused,” remarked Dan Haase, a resident of the Central Meadowbrook neighborhood adjacent to the road. “Its role has since evolved.”

Although the avenue still features motels and bars reminiscent of the Bankhead Highway's prime, its significance diminished after the introduction of Interstate 30 in 1957.

The avenue's wide six-lane structure, designed for high vehicle traffic, now seems disproportionate to the current pedestrian-focused neighborhood.

“It has remained largely unchanged,” Haase, who has resided there for 40 years, commented humorously, suggesting its lesser prominence might actually increase its local utility.

“I wish to be part of its next phase,” he added. “I envision it serving the community more than the transient motorists.”

Jeff Neal from NCTCOG, also in charge of the Lancaster Avenue project, assured that they have the resources ready to begin preliminary construction activities according to the outlined plan.

Neal further clarified that, pending logistical and financial confirmations, actual construction might commence by 2026.

“If we secure the needed funds, we can start,” said Neal.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, WFAA