To: City Council
From: Mayor Pat McGrail
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution urging TxDOT to proceed with construction of State Highway 170 improvements at the earliest possible date.
The opening of SH 170 in 1992 provided the transportation infrastructure to support massive industrial, residential and real estate expansion throughout northeast Tarrant and southeast Denton Counties. It facilitated the exponential growth and transformation of communities in the area and enabled the Alliance Corridor to become a leading global logistics hub and economic center for the entire North Texas region. It is an essential highway for motorists and industrial traffic needing east/west access across the north end of the Metroplex.
Paradoxically, because of the corridor’s success, there are no longer enough lanes to accommodate the current amount of commuter and industrial traffic using the highway. Average drive time to and from IH-35W along SH 170, which is only seven miles in distance, is in excess of 45 minutes during both the morning and evening rush hours. Originally intended to be part of the North Tarrant Express project, SH 170’s expansion will provide the region with a connected transportation system and help alleviate congestion.
Beyond the current capacity issues, there is significant employment growth currently underway along SH 170, which will stretch the highway to its breaking point. Beginning with the impending opening of Charles Schwab Corporation’s over 6,000-employee campus, and Front 44, a mixed-use project, the area immediately adjacent to the highway will attract an additional 15,000 daytime workers and residents. Other companies in the area, including BNSF Railway and TD Ameritrade, also have near-term expansion plans that will substantially increase both motorist and industrial traffic on SH 170 and the surrounding roadways.
There has been significant investment in mobility in the Alliance Corridor during the past 30 years, and the enhancements to SH 170 will be the “last piece of the puzzle” to connect the entire corridor. It has become one of the most important roadways in North Texas and is a vital link for area companies and residents (more than 400,000 within the corridor) between Fort Worth Alliance Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, as well as to Downtown Fort Worth to the south. Continued growth and prosperity for our region depends on its expedited completion.