Major federal funds awarded for Fort Worth’s railroad crossings

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced the award of $755 million in federal grants to fund projects across the state, and Fort Worth is one of three recipients.

Fort Worth’s recently adopted Master Transportation Plan and focusing on leveraging federal, state and local partnerships means the Northeast 23rd Street and Decatur Avenue grade separation project is becoming a reality.

Above-grade rail overpasses remove the need for trains and vehicles alike to stop at crossings. This reduces congestion, avoids delays and improves safety by eliminating dangerous intersections of rail and roads, improving long-term mobility.

“Council District 2 has major rail crossings for freight and passenger transport, some of which cause heavy traffic congestion,” said Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores. “This is why I am excited to join in the announcement that the TxDOT federal grants award of $755 million will fund an above-grade rail crossing at one of the busiest intersections at Northeast 23rd Street, Decatur Avenue and Samuels Avenue. As a member of the Regional Transportation Council, I fully supported and advocated for this funding as submitted by our Transportation & Public Works team.”

What does this mean?

The $98 million project to elevate Northeast 23rd Street, Decatur Avenue and Samuels Avenue over Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, TEXRail and Fort Worth & Western Railroad tracks will enhance mobility and safety for all northside residents, businesses and Stockyards patrons. The project would eliminate seven existing at-grade crossings.

The project is a top priority for the City’s conversion to a fully grade-separated crossing and one of the top needs in the statewide program. It will feature new travel lanes, wide shared paths for pedestrians and cyclists and accommodation for transit and freight movements. Several public meetings and opportunities for input are expected throughout the design and construction process.

“This project shows the importance of our community having a performance-based master transportation plan that outlines clear project priorities and focuses on project readiness,” said Kelly Porter, assistant director for TPW over the railroad program. “This is a particularly cool and innovative partnership since TxDOT is leading design and construction, as well as contributing non-federal match along with the City.”

In August, TPW presented to the City Council Legislative Affairs Committee their 26 priority at-grade crossing conversions within city limits, which cause major delays for drivers and backups in the transportation system.

The project has support from railroad partners, the City of Fort Worth, Tarrant County and Trinity Metro. The City has pursued multiple funding opportunities, including federal and state programs.

Funded by the TxDOT Off-System Rail Grade Separation State Program and the Federal-State Partnership program, this innovative approach is one way the TPW team is managing infrastructure needs and delivering very expensive, complex projects to residents of Fort Worth.

Photo: The project will elevate roadways over Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer, Union Pacific Railroad, BNSF Railway, TEXRail and Fort Worth & Western Railroad tracks.

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