October 2023

Welcome to Local Motion, a monthly email newsletter from the North Central Texas Council of Governments Transportation Department.

Northaven Trail bridge over US 75 installed

The $9.3 million Northaven Trail bridge over US Highway 75 was recently installed and will soon link several bicycle/pedestrian trails. The project involves constructing a connection between existing bicycle/pedestrian trails, including the Northaven Trail on the west side of US 75 and the Cottonwood Creek and the White Rock Creek trails on the east side of the highway. The arched bridge will provide a safe crossing over one of the busiest highways in the region. With approximately 250,000 cars passing through the corridor per day, the bridge deck, cable, and arch were pre-assembled as a single structure just to the east of the highway. Other elements, such as bridge columns and approaches, were built in place at the highway. 

The arch is 201 feet long and rises 50 feet above the bridge deck at its highest point. A network of 64 steel cables ties it to the deck. The bridge has a capacity of 445,000 pounds, equal to the weight of six fully loaded semi-trucks. 

Watch a video of the bridge being installed at txdot.gov/about/newsroom/stories/moving-day-for-northaven-trail-bridge-dallas.html. The bridge is expected to open this fall.

NCTCOG wins Innovation Alliance award 

A conceptual project that could reshape transportation in a historic area of Fort Worth was recently recognized as one of two winners of the Texas Innovation Alliance 2023 Innovation Invitational competition.

The Southeast Fort Worth Mobility Proving Ground was selected from among 12 other projects and teams from around the state in September. A project from San Marcos was also recognized as a winner.

NCTCOG’s Transportation Technology and Innovation Program team led the initiative with assistance from other partners, including Southern Methodist University, the University of Texas at Arlington and the City of Fort Worth.

The project proposes the creation of a mobility proving ground in Fort Worth’s historic Southside neighborhood, which is centered on Lancaster Avenue and East Rosedale Street. The proving ground project would seek to improve safety, mobility and access to economic opportunities and human services. Community planning efforts with the City of Fort Worth reveal a lack of transit options and poor infrastructure for vulnerable road users.

This project responds to these challenges by:

1. Leveraging broadband as a transportation mode for telecommuting.
2. Connecting traffic signals to the fiber network and creating smart intersections with advanced detection capabilities to improve safety.
3. Turning fiber optic cables into sensors by deploying Distributed Acoustic Sensing for data collection and improved dynamic signage.

This project is a concept that could be made ready for a federal Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) or Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) grant application for the 2024 cycle.

EV registrations surging in Dallas-Fort Worth

Electric vehicle (EV) registrations are on the rise across the state. The Dallas-Fort Worth region alone has seen a 63% increase in EV registration compared to last September, the highest increase of all the major metropolitan areas in the state. From September 2022 to September 2023, Kaufman County saw an 89% increase in EV registrations, Denton County experienced a 62% increase and Collin County had a 68% increase in EV registrations. Currently, Dallas County is home to the most EVs in the region with over 22,000 vehicles registered.

EV charging infrastructure has also seen steady growth. There are currently almost 3,000 public charging stations throughout the state. There is at least one DC fast charging station in each of the 10 counties in North Texas that are in nonattainment for ground-level ozone (Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman, Parker, Rockwall, Tarrant and Wise). Dallas County has 132 DC fast charging plugs, Tarrant County has 155, and Collin County has 85. A DC fast charger delivers a direct current to the battery of an EV and are commonly located at retail establishments and other popular communal locations. According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, DC fast chargers can provide 100 to 200 miles of range per 30 minutes of charging.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) has $408 million in funds to distribute to improve the (EVs) charging infrastructure in the state over the course of the next five years. TxDOT’s plan to improve the charging infrastructure will occur in two phases. Phase 1 consists of installing DC fast charging stations every 50 miles along designated alternative fuel corridors, which includes interstates such as Interstate Highway 10, IH 20, IH 35 and IH 45. In the North Texas region, this will add three charging stations in Tarrant County, one in Dallas County, one in Ellis County, and two in Palo Pinto County. Phase 2 will focus on improving the infrastructure of both rural and urban areas.

To learn more about these ongoing efforts, view the project map or participate in an ongoing survey visit, txdot.mysocialpinpoint.com/tx_ev_plan.

For more information on EV registration, go to dfwcleancities.org/evsintexas.

By the Numbers:

63%

Rate of growth of electric vehicles in Dallas-Fort Worth over the past year. 

Public comments on Fort Worth-to-Dallas high-speed rail project due Oct. 10

The public recently had several opportunities to weigh in on plans to connect Fort Worth, Arlington and Dallas with high-speed rail service. The North Central Texas Council of Governments held a series of four open houses in August and September to gauge the opinions of potential users of the system.

There is still time for the public to weigh in on the project before the end of the 30-day comment period. Visit nctcog.org/dfw-hstcs by October 10 to provide feedback on the Fort Worth-to-Dallas line.

The formal National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process of the Dallas-Fort Worth High-Speed Transportation Connections Study is set to kick off soon, during which the environmental and social impacts of the proposed route, which mostly follows Interstate Highway 30, will be evaluated. The NEPA process must be completed within a year of its start date. Once the line has been environmentally cleared, it will be easier to begin discussing funding mechanisms. Ultimately, the project could include some combination of public- and private-sector funds.

Survey seeks input for transportation solutions on eastern side of region

If you missed the public meeting on transportation solutions being sought for parts of eastern Dallas, Kaufman and Rockwall counties and you want to provide your input, there is still time to do so. The Eastern Dallas, Kaufman, and Rockwall Counties Regional Transit Survey is open until October 13. North Texans who live, work or go to school in this area are encouraged to participate.

This study aims to develop a comprehensive public transportation plan for cities in eastern Dallas County that are not members of Dallas Area Rapid Transit, as well as Kaufman and Rockwall counties. To complete the survey visit publicinput.com/edkrsurvey.  

NCTCOG seeks entities interested in emissions-reduction grants

The US Environmental Protection Agency has announced a funding opportunity under 2022-2023 Diesel Emission Reduction Act national grants for projects that reduce emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles and equipment.

NCTCOG plans to submit a proposal for North Texas and is conducting a call for partners as part of its grant proposal to the EPA. To be included in the NCTCOG proposal, vehicles/equipment/engines must operate in the 10-county nonattainment area.

The NCTCOG proposal will implement projects aimed at reducing emissions from existing fleets of diesel vehicles/equipment/engines at locations such as airports, rail yards, terminals or distribution centers that have been identified as focus areas by the EPA. All projects must address existing diesel emissions occurring in activities associated with goods movement. 

Partners included in the proposal must submit a letter of commitment for grant-required matching funds of up to 75% of total project cost.

The completed and signed application, letter of commitment, price quote, copy of signed Clean Fleet Policy and Idle Reduction Policy must be received at NCTCOG’s Arlington offices by 5 pm Friday, October 20.

For an application, letter of commitment and additional details, see nctcog.org/trans/funds/cfps/ntder2023. For questions, contact AQGrants@nctcog.org.

October is fall Car Care Month

Are you Car Care Aware? October is fall National Car Care Awareness Month and that means taking a few extra steps to ensure your vehicle is in good working order. Not only could preventative maintenance save you both time and money, but it could also keep the air we breathe clean and you and your passengers safe on the roadway. Vehicle preventative maintenance includes making sure your tires have plenty of tread, wipers aren’t cracked or torn, oil is changed regularly, lights are illuminated properly and your fluids are topped off.

As summertime fades and the leaves begin to change color, winter is just around the corner. So, it’s good to prepare early for inclement weather. That means things like tires, windshield wipers and brakes need to be in tip-top shape. Excessively worn tires affect traction, so be sure the tire tread depth will grip the road. Windshield wipers that leave streaks and impair visibility should be replaced. Worn brakes are especially dangerous as they put you and others at risk of a crash – if they squeak or squeal, take them in to be inspected by a qualified technician or mechanic.

If that pesky check engine light turns on, don’t ignore it! That light indicates that a potentially serious problem has been detected by your car’s computer. When it’s illuminated, your vehicle is likely emitting more emissions than it should be, affecting air quality, and you won’t pass your annual vehicle inspection. Be sure to take care of these problems early on. You may be preventing the issue from becoming worse, costing you both time and money. Stay safe and remember to be Car Care Aware! For more information, visit ntxcarcare.org.

Mobility 2050, air quality to be focus of Oct. 9 public meeting

NCTCOG is hosting a public meeting at noon October 9 to highlight ongoing air quality efforts and the development of the next long-range transportation plan, Mobility 2050.

The meeting will be held at NCTCOG’s Arlington offices, 616 Six Flags Drive. Residents are invited to attend in person, watch the presentations live at publicinput.com/nctcogOct23 or participate via phone by dialing 855-925-2801, then code 2199.

The development and maintenance of the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) is one of the main responsibilities of NCTCOG as a metropolitan planning organization. NCTCOG has begun updating the current MTP and will provide an overview and proposed timeline for the next plan, Mobility 2050.

As a result of the EPA approving a new emissions ceiling for the 10-county ozone nonattainment area, NCTCOG needed to perform an air quality analysis to determine that nitrogen oxides (NO_X) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) are below ceilings set in motor vehicle emissions budgets. NCTCOG has conducted successful analyses for the required MVEB analysis year, horizon year and interim years. Staff will provide an overview of the results.

NCTCOG has been awarded a planning grant through the EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program. CPRG will provide funding to assist in developing a plan for the Dallas-Fort Worth region with the goal of reducing greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants. Once the plan is developed, other organizations and entities will be able to pursue funding from the EPA for implementation. Staff will provide details of the planning grants and how to get involved.

Information will also be provided about Interactive Public Input: Map Your Experience, the Regional Smoking Vehicle Program (RSVP), vehicle incentive and funding opportunities and Engine Off North Texas (EONT).

Additionally, proposed administrative amendments to Mobility 2045-2022 Update will be available for public comment. To make a public comment, visit publicinput.com/nctcogOct23. Public comments will be accepted until November 7.

For residents who want to take transit to the meeting, $6 roundtrip rides from the Centerport/DFW Airport Station to NCTCOG are available on the Arlington Transportation app, through arlingtontx.gov/ondemand. For special accommodation due to disabilities or language interpretation, contact 817-695-9255 or email jcastillo@nctcog.org.

For more information about Local Motion topics, contact Brian Wilson at 817-704-2511 or bwilson@nctcog.org. Visit www.nctcog.org/trans for more information on the department.

--Imagery provided by TxDOT, the Texas Innovation Alliance, NCTCOG and Getty Images.