Chisholm Trail More than Just a Faster Route

Photos: NTTA
Drivers were not the only ones who waited anxiously for the opening of the Chisholm Trail Parkway. A full weekend of events, including a fun run, half marathon and bike ride preceded the opening of the 28-mile toll road in May.

As the clock ticked down to the opening of the Chisholm Trail Parkway, dozens of cars stood in line, their drivers waiting in anticipation, wanting to be among the first to test the freshly opened road. It’s not every day that a road, tolled or not, elicits that kind of excitement, but Chisholm Trail was decades in the making and pursued by public officials, residents and business leaders all along its footprint. <More> [PDF]

High Speed Rail in Texas More than a Dream
A Message from Michael Morris, Transportation Director

As we celebrate our 40th anniversary as the region’s metropolitan planning organization this year, it is important to not only look back, but gaze into the future. It’s easy to dream about flying cars and other far-off technologies. But one futuristic option may not be that unrealistic, thanks to work being done by the private sector. <More> [PDF]

Lindsey Applies Lessons Learned Half a World Away to Dallas-Fort Worth Transportation System
Regional Transportation Council Member Profile
Stephen Lindsey, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Mansfield

The differences between construction in Dallas-Fort Worth and a war zone are stark. Here, workers are protected against oncoming traffic by slower speed limits, concrete barriers and warning signs. In war zones, the military or armed guards provide workers building roads and installing other needed infrastructure defense against the threat of attack.

Stephen Lindsey experienced the differences firsthand while serving with the US State Department as part of the Iraq War civilian surge in 2007-08. <More> [PDF]

40 Years of Transportation Planning

The North Central Texas Council of Governments and Regional Transportation Council this year are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their designation by Governor Dolph Briscoe as the metropolitan planning organization for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Much has changed since Governor Briscoe’s April 1974 decision. <More> [PDF]

Region Counting Bike-Ped Users to Improve Reliability of Active Transportation System

North Texas is experiencing continued expansion of its bicycle and pedestrian (active transportation) network. Many cities are cooperating in pursuit of improved connectivity between communities and linkages to major destinations.

For example, last year five area mayors agreed to coordinate efforts to complete trail connections that will provide a continuous network from Fort Worth to Dallas, winding through Arlington, Grand Prairie and Irving. The region currently has a 1,000-mile network of off-street trails and 82 miles of on-street bikeways, including dedicated bike lanes and shared lanes. <More> [PDF]