NOV 30, 2015

Fort Worth Star-Telegram

The faster Interstate 35W traffic moves, the faster Fort Worth can grow and prosper.

That’s why it’s good to see a private-enterprise proposal to widen the North Freeway, the “Main Street of Texas,” for another eight miles from the U.S. 287 turnoff to Eagle Parkway and Fort Worth Alliance Airport.

Since work began on the North Tarrant Express private development, one of the most common questions has been, “Why isn’t this going to Alliance?”

Now, the partnership developing the managed toll project is offering to make that happen. North Tarrant Express Mobility Partners would extend the project at no direct cost to taxpayers, giving Fort Worth and Alliance a faster shortcut to improvements without waiting for uncertain state highway funds.

So far, the Mobility Partners team has finished the work on budget and ahead of schedule, drawing praise from lenders. If state highway officials give the project the go-ahead, there is every reason to believe that 2020 completion date might be pushed sooner.

New growth west of I-35 and the extension of runways at Alliance Airport only show the potential for more economic development, jobs and success in the AllianceTexas corridor.

State highway officials should take developers up on this offer.

To read the full article, click here.