Fort Worth Mayor Focused On City Traffic Congestion
FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - The mayor of Fort Worth is launching a push to tackle traffic congestion in the city, especially along Interstate-35W.
Betsy Price told the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition that she'll appoint a "traffic champion" for the city to get highway projects moving.
"We really haven't announced it to the council, but we will be tomorrow," the mayor said. "We're going to bring a position, probably out of Transportation and Public Works, and put them upstairs. They'll serve under the City Manager as a direct coordinator for public transportation."
In addition to public transportation issues, Mayor Price is adamant that problems on the city's most traveled north-south highway be resolved.
"I-35 is often called the Main Street of Texas. It's also one of the worst traffic headaches in the state," Price said. "We've talked and talked about it… I want to pledge to you that I'm gonna do everything I can to help you [the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition] make that happen."
Price says Fort Worth is at a critical point when action must be taken. "If it takes you two hours almost to get to Denton, up 35, on a Friday night, that's inexcusable."
Mayor Price said traffic congestion is hampering growth in Fort Worth.
Price is also backing a push for high-speed rail service, from Houston and San Antonio, to connect to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, but she admits a lack of money means private funds will be required to get it accomplished.
