A forthcoming master plan from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is expected to significantly enhance economic development in Fort Worth and surrounding counties. Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare highlighted the initiative during the State of the County address, noting that local officials have collaborated on the plan for some time and will soon present it to the public through community meetings. According to O’Hare, the strategy is vital for sustaining regional economic momentum.
He emphasized that beyond easing traffic congestion and improving accessibility, the plan will serve as a major catalyst for business expansion and job creation. While specific details were not disclosed, O’Hare referenced a previous TxDOT master plan in the Dallas district that accelerated transportation projects by 15 to 20 years. The upcoming plan will cover a broader region, including Erath, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise counties, with Tarrant County positioned as the central focus for infrastructure investment.
Victor Vandergriff, head of the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition, indicated that further information would become available in the coming weeks. TxDOT officials confirmed the planning phase is still underway, with more insights expected within the next month. O’Hare credited prior county leadership for laying the groundwork, calling the initiative a long-overdue milestone.
Fort Worth City Council member Michael Crain expressed support, particularly for increased attention to transportation needs in the city’s southwest. He welcomed any efforts that expedite infrastructure improvements. O’Hare also honored the late Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes, a strong advocate for transportation development, who passed away in July at age 75.
— news from KERA News
— News Original —
O’Hare: Anticipated TxDOT master plan ‘huge boon’ for Fort Worth-area economic development
A master plan from the Texas Department of Transportation promises a new focus on projects in Fort Worth and the surrounding area. n nSpeaking at the State of the County address on Thursday, Tarrant County Judge Tim O’Hare said local officials have been working on the TxDOT master plan for some time and will soon unveil it and hold meetings with the public. n nO’Hare said the plan is key to the area’s continuing economic growth. n n“In addition to eliminating gridlock, making access easier for our people, it will also be a huge, huge boon for economic development,” he said, speaking at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce event. “You’re going to start seeing that happen.” n nO’Hare did not detail what that plan will include. He said that when the Dallas district did a master plan several years ago it sped up transportation, highway and road projects for that district by “15 to 20 years.” n nTxDOT officials said they did a number of studies in the Dallas district that helped guide them on the projects they focused on there. n nThose transportation projects will not be limited to Fort Worth proper, but encompass the whole district which includes Erath, Hood, Jack, Johnson, Palo Pinto, Parker, Somervell, Tarrant, and Wise counties. n n“But Tarrant County is the central part of the district, and we’re going to be in there fighting for our share of transportation dollars,” O’Hare said. n nVictor Vandergriff, executive director of the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition, said more details on the plans would be available in a few weeks. n nTxDOT officials said the plan hasn’t started yet, but that they could share more details over the next month. n n“This is something that Tarrant County officials, before me, and other people have worked really hard to make happen, and now it’s happening,” said O’Hare. n nDistrict 3 Fort Worth City Council member Michael Crain said anything that helps speed up progress on transportation improvements would be welcome. n n“I’m well known for saying the southwest part of the city needs more focus on transportation, so I would welcome more effort there,” he said. n nO’Hare singled out the late Tarrant County Commissioner Gary Fickes, who represented Precinct 3 and was known for his support and focus on transportation issues. Fickes died in July at age 75. n nSenior business reporter Eric E. Garcia contributed to this report. n nBob Francis is business editor for the Fort Worth Report. Contact him at bob.francis@fortworthreport.org. At the Fort Worth Report, news decisions are made independently of our board members and financial supporters. Read more about our editorial independence policy here.