FM 730 from SH 114 to SH 199
Introduction
The TxDOT Fort Worth District is proposing to study, identify, and design to improve the mobility and safety of FM 730 from SH 114 to SH 199 in Wise and Tarrant Counties (approximately 13 miles). The project corridor development will include the improvements of cross street intersections, drainage, bicycle and pedestrian accommodations, and the overall safety features of the roadway.
Current conditions
In Wise County between SH 114 and Briar Road, FM 730 consists of one 12 feet wide travel lane in each direction with 10 feet wide shoulders with no bicycle and pedestrian accommodation.
In Tarrant County between Briar Road and Reno Road, FM 730 consists of one 12 feet wide travel lane in each direction with 10 feet shoulders. Between Briar Road and SH 199, FM 730 consists of two 12 feet wide travel lanes in each direction with 10 feet wide shoulders and no bicycle and pedestrian accommodation.
Project background
- This project is needed because FM 730 between SH 114 and SH 199 is inadequate to meet current and future traffic volumes, resulting in congestion and reduced mobility.
- In addition to the problems resulting from congestion, the configuration of the existing roadway is based on outdated design standards that TxDOT has since updated to address safety and other concerns for the traveling public. Other outdated design elements include sharp curves, rolling terrain, and skewed intersections. From SH 114 at Boyd south to SH 199 at Azle, there are 667 total number of crashes, and 45% of these crashes are related to intersections. The study area crash rate is high compared to the statewide crash rate. The rate of the crash has shown significant increase in 2020 and in 2021 the number of crashes is the highest from the range of our study years. This shows that the trend and occurrence of crashes in the segment of the road is increasing.
Proposed improvements
The proposed improvements in Wise County would include reconstructing and widening FM 730 between SH 114 and Briar Road from a two-lane undivided roadway to a four-lane divided roadway to accommodate an ultimate future six-lane divided roadway. In addition, FM 730 would be realigned to the east between SH 114 and CR 4676.
The proposed improvements in Tarrant County would include reconstructing and widening FM 730 between Briar Road and Reno Road from a two-lane undivided to a six-lane divided roadway. Between Reno Road and SH 199, FM 730 will be reconstructed and widened from a 4-lane roadway with continuous left-turn lane to a six-lane divided roadway.
The project is currently in conceptual development. It is unknown the amount of right of way needed at this phase of project development.
The estimated construction cost is approximately $149.1 million.
Next steps
Next steps (subject to change):
- Technical Working Group Meetings (one in Wise and one in Tarrant County) – Planned for May 24, 2023
- Public Meeting – Oct. 24, 2023
- Public Hearing – Estimated for Summer 2024
- Environmental Clearance – Anticipated in Spring 2025
- Right-of-Way Acquisition – Anticipated in Spring 2027
- Utility Coordination – Planned for Spring 2027
- Construction – Estimated for Fall 2032
Public involvement
Public engagement is an important element of this project. TxDOT encourages the public to be informed and engaged throughout the process. TxDOT will host public meetings at key milestones in the study to share information and to receive input from the public that will help inform decision-making.
- Public Meeting – Estimated in Winter 2023
- Public Hearing – Estimated for Summer 2024