Photo: iStock

Planners are developing a new long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2040, which will be used as the blueprint for improvements to be made in Dallas-Fort Worth over the next 25 years. Planners are seeking input from the transportation system’s users to help them develop a plan that will adequately meet regional needs.

Finding Transportation Priorities Key to Regional Plan

The population of North Texas is projected to surpass 10 million residents before 2040, continuing a growth trend the region has seen for nearly 40 years.

As more people move to the area, traffic congestion will increase, straining the region’s roadways and likely causing motorists to consider alternatives to the typical rush-hour commute.

Finding the right balance between different modes and transportation solutions is one of the challenges planners have in developing Mobility 2040, which will become the new long-range transportation plan for the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The most recent demographic forecasts estimate the region has grown to 6.9 million people, boasting a population of about 600,000 more than recorded by the 2010 census. <More>

Do Your Share for Cleaner Air
A Message from Michael Morris, P.E., Director of Transportation
Air Quality and transportation are inextricably linked in Dallas-Fort Worth, a region trying for years to meet the federal government’s standard on ozone pollution.

The North Central Texas Council of Governments coordinates daily with its transportation partners to continue the development of a world-class transportation system while maintaining a keen eye on the air we breathe. The sum of all our transportation investments must demonstrate our assistance in the meeting o this standard.

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TxDOT Engineer Sees Cooperation of Region as Key to Transportation Success
Regional Transportation Council Member Profile
Brian Barth, P.E., District Engineer,
Texas Department of Transportation-Fort Worth District
Brian Barth knew from an early age he wanted to be around highways. The son of a contractor, Barth worked for his dad building highways. He soon learned that, although he liked transportation, he wanted to be involved in another side of it.

Barth, who grew up in El Paso, had his eye on designing highways. So he went to school to study engineering at the University of Texas at Austin to receive knowledge necessary to begin following that dream. There was one organization that would give him the exposure he wanted to that side of the business – the Texas Department of Transportation. <More>

Graphic: iStock

Legislature Approves Additional Funding for Roads
More transportation funding is likely headed for North Texas and other parts of the state thanks to measures approved by the Legislature in the closing days of the 84th Session.

The new budget, which takes effect September 1, calls for an additional $3.7 billion to be spent on transportation over the next two years through an end to diversions and annual infusions from Proposition 1.

An estimated $2.4 billion will come from Proposition 1 funds, a portion of oil and gas severance taxes approved by voters last year to be directed from the Rainy Day Fund to transportation. <More>

NCTCOG, Clean Cities Working Toward Clean Fleets
The North Central Texas Council of Governments and Dallas-Fort Worth Clean Cities Coalition are working to improve air quality by helping fleet operators and other residents understand the benefits of clean vehicles. The effort starts with data to determine how many vehicles powered by alternatives to gasoline are operating in the region. To collect this data, the DFW Clean Cities Coalition surveys stakeholders annually. <More>