Freeway System

The freeway system serving Walsh Ranch consists of two existing freeways and one proposed freeway. The two existing freeways are Interstate Highway 20 (IH 20) and Interstate Highway 30 (IH 30).

IH 20 is an east-west freeway providing access between this site and other points west of the site (including Weatherford), as well as southern portions of Tarrant County east of this site. IH 20 has two main lanes in each direction. In the section of IH 20 west of the IH 20 / IH 30 interchange, two-lane, two-way frontage roads run parallel to the main lanes. There are no frontage roads along the portion of IH 20 east of the IH 20 / IH 30 interchange.

IH 30 is also an east-west freeway providing access between the site and downtown Fort Worth. IH 30 terminates as it intersects with IH 20 within the study area. IH 30 has two main lanes in each direction and two-lane, two-way frontage roads along its length.

IH 20 and IH 30 intersect at about the midpoint of the site. This interchange allows for most of the movements between IH 20 and IH 30, but does not provide for two "U-turn" movements (of a regional nature) between the freeways. These "U-turn" movements are the westbound IH 30 to eastbound IH 20 and westbound IH 20 to eastbound IH 30.

In addition to these existing freeways, the City of Fort Worth and the North Central Texas Council of Governments have been showing an "Outer Loop" on the regional thoroughfare plans in this area. At this point, the City of Fort Worth is reserving right-of-way for the future implementation of this freeway.

Three new interchanges, two revised interchanges and one new overpass are planned for the sections of IH 30 and IH 20 in the vicinity of the proposed development, which will provide excellent access to Walsh Ranch from the existing freeway system. There are two planned interchanges with Walsh Ranch Parkway, one along IH 30 and one along IH 20. While the Outer Loop is still very early in the planning stages, there is the potential for two major interchanges serving Walsh Ranch. One would be located at the existing IH 20 / FM 1187 / FM 3325 interchange on the west side of the property, and the other at the proposed Walsh Ranch Parkway and Outer Loop interchange on the south end of the property.

Roadway System

The City of Fort Worth has recently updated their Master Thoroughfare Plan (MTP). This MTP shows several arterials falling within the proposed Walsh Ranch development, including one Principal Arterial (six-lanes divided), two Major Arterials (four-lanes divided), and four Minor Arterials (four-lanes undivided). The arterials being planned for this development are in compliance with the proposed Master Thoroughfare Plan Update. Other collector and local roadways will be constructed as needed to provide direct access to the various types of developments being planned. The proposed roadway system has been sized for the planned phasing of Walsh Ranch, based on the anticipated traffic volumes in the area.

The Walsh Ranch planning team is working with the City of Fort Worth to get the proposed roadway system designed and constructed in time to serve Walsh Ranch.

Transit System

An existing park-and-ride lot at the IH 20 / FM 1187 interchange indicates the desire for some form of transit or ride-sharing system in this area. The Concept Plan shows a potential location of a "Future Transit Center." While the Fort Worth Transportation Authority (the "T") does not have any planned transit service in this area, accommodations will be made as needed to provide for the transportation needs of this community. The Walsh Ranch planning team is working with the "T" to determine the type of transit or ridesharing service needed for this area as it develops and to get that system in place in time to serve the transit needs of this community.

Non-motorized Transportation

The Concept Plan provides for a significant system of bicycle and jogging paths connecting the various types of development within Walsh Ranch. These paths provide an opportunity for residents in this community to use non-motorized forms of transportation (bicycles, walking, roller blading) to get to their destination. This system has the potential for reducing the amount of vehicular traffic and thus reducing pollution and congestion.

Traffic Volumes