The NTTA, the City of Fort Worth and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) have reached an agreement to design, construct, and test a special railroad track system called a “temporary hump lead.”  If proven successful, the “temporary hump lead” could pave the way to a comprehensive agreement between those parties to allow the construction of Southwest Parkway across the Davidson Yard.  The “temporary hump lead” is a critical component of an overall plan to enable the Southwest Parkway construction to proceed through the Davidson Yard without adversely affecting UPRR operations.  The design, construction, and testing of the “temporary hump lead” is anticipated to be completed in the next six months.

 

“Southwest Parkway, NTTA’s first project in the western portion of the Metroplex, is a critical mobility project for the region and I am hopeful that resolution is near of all remaining issues regarding the Davidson Yard crossing,” said NTTA Board Chairman Paul N. Wageman.  “The hump lead agreement resolves a critical precondition to beginning construction on Southwest Parkway.”

 

Southwest Parkway is an 8.7-mile limited-access toll road that is part of a 28-mile roadway that will run from the Fort Worth central business district through southwest Fort Worth to Cleburne in Johnson County.  The project will enhance mobility between downtown Fort Worth and the rapidly developing areas in southwest Tarrant County, reduce congestion, and enhance safety and convenience for the traveling public. 

 

“Our citizens have been waiting a long time for construction to begin on the Southwest Parkway,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief.  “Fort Worth is extremely pleased that we are moving forward with our partners to resolve any remaining issues related to the construction of this greatly needed artery. Easing traffic congestion and preserving our air quality continue to be our primary concerns for our region, and this agreement to test the hump lead gets us one step closer to where we need to be. I especially want to express my appreciation to my fellow Fort Worth Councilmembers Jungus Jordan and the late Chuck Silcox for their tireless efforts to get this critical project underway.”

 

As the “temporary hump lead” tests move forward, the NTTA, City of Fort Worth and UPRR will work towards a final agreement on all remaining issues relating to the construction of Southwest Parkway across the Davidson Yard. 

 

"We understand the importance of Southwest Parkway to North Texas and are pleased that we have reached the basis for moving forward. Davidson Yard provides critical service to our customers throughout the region.  We are hopeful that the testing will reveal that the proposed solution allows us to continue to meet their needs,” said Jim Young, Union Pacific Chairman and CEO.