Funding Approved To Modify Dallas To Fort Worth High-Speed Rail Line Amid Local Concerns

On Thursday, the North Central Texas Council of Governments' Regional Transportation Council made a significant decision by approving an additional $1.6 million to modify the proposed Dallas to Fort Worth high-speed rail line. This funding comes after the initially suggested route faced a backlash from local residents and city officials. The Dallas city council had previously voted in June to halt the approval of the planned route until an economic impact study was completed, with council members expressing strong opposition to any above-ground rail construction in downtown Dallas, Uptown, or Victory Park areas.

The past few years have witnessed a surge in the interest of high-speed rail systems across the United States, with numerous lines either under construction or proposed. In Texas, ambitious plans are underway for a new high-speed railway connecting Dallas and Houston, which is being developed by Texas Central and Amtrak and received a nod of approval from President Biden in May. This growing focus on high-speed rail emphasizes its potential to enhance connectivity and ease transportation woes for Texans.

In addition to the Dallas to Fort Worth line, the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) is also working on proposals for the connection. However, it is important to note that this project is not anticipated to receive National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance until at least 2025. NCTCOG director Michael Morris indicated that the newly approved funds could help facilitate the environmental review process needed for the modified route, though no formal request has been made yet.

During the meeting, NCTCOG members voiced their concerns about the previously proposed Fort Worth to Dallas route, which would cut through the southwestern corner of Dallas parallel to Interstate 30. This route would also pass near significant landmarks such as the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Reunion Tower. Hunt Reality Investments, a Dallas property company, has raised alarms that the current proposed route could interfere with its planned $5 billion development surrounding the Hyatt.

The newly proposed route strategically avoids the Hyatt Hotel and an area designated for a new convention center. Instead, it will run parallel to Riverfront Boulevard, concluding at a new seven-story station in the Cedars area. However, concerns have been raised by Amtrak regarding this route change. According to NCTCOG program manager Brendon Wheeler, Amtrak fears that moving away from the downtown option could complicate connections between the proposed Dallas-Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth rail lines.

Wheeler highlighted that Amtrak expressed worries that the new route might hinder pedestrian access to an Amtrak high-speed rail station in Dallas and its hub at the Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station, which is located just two-thirds of a mile to the north. In light of these developments, Newsweek reached out to the NCTCOG for comments, but had not received a response outside of regular business hours.

Meanwhile, Texas Senator Ted Cruz has cautiously welcomed the proposed Dallas to Houston high-speed rail line. He emphasized that it could potentially create jobs and bolster the economy. Cruz expressed optimism that once the project is completed, many Texans would welcome the ease and speed of travel between Houston and Dallas, highlighting the importance of modernizing transportation infrastructure.