Active Transportation Routes to Rail

 

Pedestrian Routes to Rail is a GIS network-based assessment that focuses on the routes and walking distances from rail stations.  ArcGIS Network Analyst tool was used to identify continuous pedestrian routes that are less than or greater than a half-mile actual walking distance from each station. For this analysis existing pedestrian facilities are defined as sidewalks and multi-use paths.

 

 

To view the Active Transportation Routes to Rail maps please click here.

 

 

The Pedestrian Routes to Rail maps identify the following:

One-Half Mile Walk Distance

 

 

Continuous pedestrian routes on existing sidewalks and trails with a walking distance of
less than one-half mile from the rail station (yellow lines).

 

 

Beyond One-Half Mile Walk Distance

 

 

Continuous pedestrian routes on existing sidewalks and trails with a walking distance of
greater than one-half mile from the rail station (orange lines).

 

 

Disconnected Pedestrian Facilities

 

 

Existing sidewalks and trails within the half-mile radius of the rail station that are disconnected
from the pedestrian network due to gaps or other barriers, hindering a continuous route
to a station (red lines).

 

 

 

The Bicycle Routes to Rail portion of this study identifies all existing and planned bikeways in proximity to existing light rail and commuter rail stations in the DFW region based on 2013 data.  The maps reflect off-street paths (trails) and streets designated by local adopted master plans for dedicated bikeways (e.g. bike lanes, cycle tracks) located on the street.  In accordance with the Texas Transportation Code, bicyclists have a right to the road.  As such, the map does not reflect other roadways around the station that may have signed bike routes or by state law may be used by bicyclists. 

 

To view the Active Transportation Routes to Rail maps please click here.

The data collected and used as part of this study include:

1. GIS files of existing sidewalks and pedestrian crossings (2013 data)
2. Digital aerial photography (orthos), Google Earth, and Google Street View
3. Adopted trails and bikeway master plans for each city in which a rail station is located
   
   

Disclaimer

The information published in the Routes to Rail study shows a reasonable degree of accuracy to provide a snapshot of bicycle and pedestrian networks near existing rail stations in the DFW region.  Due to the large number of transportation and development projects in the DFW region, bicycle and pedestrian routes to these rail stations may have changed since the publication of this study.  The information in this study does not reflect the physical condition or compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (www.ADA.gov) of the existing bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. 

 

The ArcGIS Network Analyst tool tracks routes from rail stations along the continuous pedestrian network which includes sidewalks, multi-use trails, crosswalks, and unmarked crossings at intersections of minor arterial streets.  Physical barriers that create disconnects within the network include highways, access ramps, parking lots, unmarked crossings of major arterials, and sidewalks lacking connections to a pedestrian crossing.  Common conditions that create gaps in the pedestrian network are identified below.

 

Freeway access ramps without marked pedestrian crossings:

 

 

In the example above, the lack of a designated pedestrian crossing at the ramp is reflected as a disconnect in the pedestrian network.  Thus, the existing sidewalk to the left of the intersection (red line) is identified as disconnected from the network.  Such locations are examples of areas where improvements may be targeted to improve the safety and connectivity of the pedestrian network.

 

A sidewalk or curb ramp at the intersection does not exist:

 

 

In the example above, pedestrian facilities on the right side of the street do not extend
to the curb or provide ramps to a crossing and is considered disconnected from the pedestrian network.

 

 

Major arterial roadways without a marked crossing:

 

 

In the example above, existing sidewalks on the right side (yellow lines) of a major arterial
are disconnected from existing sidewalks on the left side of the street (red lines). 
In addition, there are no existing sidewalks on the left side of the major arterial road.

Resources are being identified and coordination with communities is ongoing to identify additional analysis.  Efforts may include:

• Analysis on ADA accessibility and conditions
• Overview or review of network in relation to pedestrian and bicyclist safety data
• Prioritization of jobs, housing, and land uses needing connections
• Identification of missing infrastructure needed in more developed area

 

Recommendations resulting from the 2003 NCTCOG Rail Station Access study include: Implementing local improvements, such as sidewalk repair or trail construction, to provide increased alternative transportation routes near stations Promoting safety, convenient access, and incorporating complementary land uses near stations to encourage rail ridership and the success of transportation by rail in Dallas-Fort Worth Expanding the rail system to provide a more comprehensive alternative mode of transportation for the growing population in the region

The transportation providers for the Dallas-Fort Worth area currently are DART, the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (FWTA), and DCTA.  DART operates the light rail transit system and jointly operates the TRE, a commuter rail line linking downtown Dallas to downtown Fort Worth, in cooperation with FWTA. The DCTA provides bus service in Denton County and will oversee the future connection of a commuter rail line into the Green Line, light rail system managed by DART.

- 2003 Station Recommendations