Officials announce rapid progress on Fort Worth-Dallas rail project

Dallas, Texas - Officials have shared an update concerning Texas' transportation future, saying that the Fort Worth-Dallas high-speed rail project is advancing rapidly. This progress may surpass that of the Dallas-Houston line, which has recently benefited from Amtrak's participation.

The Fort Worth-Dallas rail concept, which originated in 2017 and is overseen by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, is set to start its environmental evaluation phase in September. They are optimistic about receiving federal approvals by 2024.

This high-speed rail aims to cater to the growing transportation needs of an expanding metroplex. With the current population already over 8 million and expected to reach approximately 11 million by 2045, the rail line will be strategically positioned parallel to the Interstate 30 corridor.

Brendon Wheeler, the Council of Governments' program manager for transportation planning, stated, “We’ve been going full steam ahead since 2020. The recent update from Amtrak regarding the Dallas-Houston line has come at an opportune moment.”

Wheeler also noted that obtaining environmental clearance by 2024 could lessen the development difference between the Fort Worth-Dallas project and the Dallas-Houston project. The latter has experienced delays over a decade but has been rejuvenated due to Amtrak's recent collaboration with Texas Central on August 9 to further the venture.

A key element of the Fort Worth-Dallas rail project's success will be its integration into the larger state-wide transportation system. Additionally, the Council of Governments is studying other potential rail routes, including one along Interstate 35 that may connect Fort Worth to San Antonio and then extend to Laredo.

Currently, the Fort Worth-Dallas rail project is still conceptual, without fixed financial investments. However, securing environmental clearance is seen as a significant step to attract investment and fund the project. Wheeler explained the potential risks faced by global entities keen on funding but unfamiliar with U.S. federal environmental processes.

The project will be financed either privately or through a public-private partnership. Once environmental clearances are obtained, the Council of Governments plans to engage with potential investors, especially given the revived interest in the Dallas-Houston rail initiative. The proposed route promises to reduce the Dallas-Houston travel time to 90 minutes.

Wheeler added, "Given the rapid growth in Texas, especially in metropolitan areas like DFW and Houston, such a development is inevitable."

A notable advantage of the Fort Worth-Dallas project over the Dallas-Houston one is the publicly owned right-of-way designated for the rail, eliminating the need for massive land purchases.

This renewed focus on high-speed rail aligns with a favorable investment environment for national rail infrastructure. Allan Rutter, of the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, highlighted Amtrak's interest in Texas rail ventures, especially with federal funds being directed towards this transportation mode.

This includes an allocation of $66 million from the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for rail purposes. Jason Abrams from Amtrak endorsed Texas's federal grant applications for achieving the high-speed rail vision for the Texas Triangle, linking Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio.

Rick Harnish, Executive Director of the High-Speed Rail Alliance, praised the Council of Governments' initiatives and emphasized the value of extending the high-speed rail line from Fort Worth to the Dallas-Houston corridor.

Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker endorsed the collaboration between Amtrak and Texas Central and supported the idea of high-speed rail along I-30.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, Fort Worth Report, White House