The proposal for a high-speed rail line connecting Dallas to Fort Worth in Texas has hit another roadblock. The Dallas City Council recently voted unanimously against a key section of the plan until an economic impact analysis is completed.
The North Central Texas Council of Government is spearheading the project, but specifics remain elusive. Also, the project has yet to receive clearance under the National Environmental Policy Act.
Recently, there has been a surge in interest in high-speed rail projects across the U.S. Multiple lines are either in progress or in the proposal stages. For instance, construction kicked off on a 218-mile high-speed railway linking Las Vegas, Nevada, to southern California. President Joe Biden has also greenlit plans for a high-speed rail link between Dallas and Houston, featuring Japanese Shinkansen technology.
Concerns were raised at the Dallas City Council meeting, with council members expressing reservations about constructing elevated passenger rails through the Central Business District – a key element of the Dallas-Fort Worth proposal – until the completion of an economic analysis expected in early 2025.
The NCTCOG Regional Transportation Council had presented the 30-mile rail segment plans for the Dallas-Fort Worth Line three months prior to the Council.
Councilmember Jesse Moreno voiced opposition, stating, “Dallas doesn’t currently support the proposed above-ground alignment.” Chad West, a council member from Fort Worth, called for more research on the plan’s economic implications, emphasizing the need to consider the impact on the economy before proceeding with such large-scale projects.
Omar Narvaez, a Dallas councilwoman and RTC council member, emphasized the importance of proceeding cautiously, acknowledging that the decisions made today will have long-lasting effects for Dallas.
One notable structure impacted by the proposed high-speed rail line is the Reunion Tower, a landmark in downtown Dallas.
Brendon Whelder, NCTCOG’s Transportation Planning Manager, highlighted concerns about the lack of NEPA approval for the Dallas-Fort Worth Line, a worry shared by foreign investors due to the financial risks involved.