Fort Worth city officials announced that beginning in April 2027 the Hemphill Street corridor from Seminary Drive to Allen Avenue will be re‑striped to a five‑lane configuration: two northbound lanes, two southbound lanes and a dedicated turn lane. The change follows a survey of more than 2,000 local residents and business owners, which showed that roughly 85 % favor the restoration of the former five‑lane layout.
Local voices raise safety questions
Derek Bruce, a 46‑year‑old father who lives a block from Hemphill, said he frequently rides his bike on the busy thoroughfare but does not allow his wife or children to do so. “It’s just not safe,” Bruce warned, noting that the road’s proximity to Interstate 35W and the planned increase in vehicle speeds could jeopardize cyclists and pedestrians, especially school‑age children.
Long‑time resident Paul Mercer, 69, echoed the sentiment, recalling the 2020 restriping that reduced Hemphill to three lanes. “I never understand why we did that,” he said. “It’s really dangerous. I’m all for getting it back to where it used to be.”
City’s rationale and cost
Transportation engineer Rajnish Gupta explained that the restriping project, budgeted at up to $800,000, will involve removing existing paint, adding new lane markings and adjusting traffic signals. “This is just a restriping project,” Gupta said, emphasizing that the physical infrastructure – such as bike lanes and on‑street parking – will remain unchanged.
Assistant Director of Transportation Management Martin Phillips added, “We’re not changing the infrastructure itself.” The city conducts corridor evaluations every three to four years, and the latest analysis concluded that the hybrid plan – a mix of two‑lane and four‑lane sections – would improve traffic flow in the southern segment but would not fully resolve long‑term congestion in the northern segment.
Projected traffic growth
Fort Worth estimates that up to 16,930 motorists currently travel Hemphill daily, a figure expected to rise to about 20,000 by 2030 and 30,000 by 2045 as North Texas’s population approaches four million by mid‑century. The city’s transportation forecast warns that without additional lanes, congestion could worsen substantially in the coming decades.
Community response and next steps
During an August 26 meeting at Victory Forest Community Center, council members Elizabeth Beck and Jeanette Martinez thanked participants for their input. “It’s about what people want,” Beck said.
While many residents support the full five‑lane restoration, a minority called for more crosswalks and safety enhancements. The city has indicated that existing crosswalks will be restriped but no new crossings are planned at this time.
Ann Zadeh, executive director of Community Design Fort Worth and former District 9 council member, expressed disappointment with the proposal, arguing that reverting Hemphill to a vehicle‑focused street diminishes alternative transportation options. “Any street that goes through a neighborhood should be an outlet when the highway has an issue,” Zadeh said, referencing potential accidents on I‑35W.
Transit developments
Trinity Metro announced the upcoming launch of the “Linea Rosa,” a magenta‑themed rebranding of Route 1 that will run from downtown to Hemphill Street and continue to La Gran Plaza, providing additional bus service for residents along the corridor.
The city will begin work on the restriping project this spring, with the goal of completing the lane changes before the 2027 traffic season. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through city communications and upcoming public meetings.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
