Metroplex Freight Mobility Study

Purpose: To conduct a comprehensive analysis of the freight transportation network to identify mutually beneficial mobility improvements.

Outcome: A program of projects to address freight and passenger rail mobility needs in the North Central Texas region.

Phase I Report: The first phase of the study describes projects that will better integrate freight and passenger rail service. The Phase I Report includes capacity improvement concepts and implementation guidance.

Project outline

TxDOT is conducting an analysis of the freight and passenger rail transportation network to identify mutually beneficial mobility improvements. The 2010 Dallas-Fort Worth Regional Freight Study identified infrastructure improvements such as highway-rail grade separation projects. Projects have been identified in the Texas Freight Mobility Plan and North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Improvement Program. However, conditions have changed over the past 10 years. Both freight and passenger rail volumes have increased. Communities in the region have continued to grow resulting in changing land use and traffic patterns.  

Understanding existing rail volume, planned rail capacity improvements and other rail operational information helps identify priority areas for improvements. Areas with daily train volume over 30 trains per day are a primary focus.

In addition, understanding existing roadway volume near rail crossings, planned roadway improvements, and other local traffic patterns helps identify priority areas for improvements. Approximately 5 percent of the public at-grade highway-rail crossings in the region have an average daily traffic volume over 20,000 vehicles per day.

Project schedule

TxDOT hosted an online survey in December 2019 and continues to work with local governments, railroads, and regional transportation agencies. The Phase I Report concentrated on integrating freight and passenger rail to support increased capacity. In spring 2020, we will prepare a broader plan prioritizing grade crossing and freight rail mobility projects across the Metroplex.

Get involved

The project team is seeking your input to help identify potential improvements to address freight and passenger rail mobility needs. We are developing a survey and will provide it here.