Fort Worth residents and commuters got a first look at the next phase of the Bonds Ranch Road improvement project on September 10, when the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Tarrant County unveiled a preliminary design for Segment 2. The plan calls for a new bridge to span U.S. Business Highway 287 and two relocated Union Pacific and BNSF rail lines, eliminating the current at‑grade crossings that sit between Business 287 and the private Hicks Airfield.
Why the bridge matters
Engineer Matthew Shelton of the LJA consultancy explained that the flight path to Hicks Airfield was a “big factor” in the decision to move the BNSF rail line. By relocating the tracks and building a bridge, the project will keep the airfield’s approach clear while providing a safer, more efficient crossing for motorists and freight traffic.
Key features of the design
- Construction of a bridge that rises over Business 287 and the two rail lines, then descends back to grade east of the intersection.
- Widening of approximately 0.6 miles of Bonds Ranch Road from west of Business 287 to east of Aviator Drive, expanding the corridor to two lanes in each direction with a center median, left‑turn lane, curbs, gutters and a dedicated pedestrian‑and‑bicycle path.
- Improvement of about 0.6 miles of Business 287 at the Bonds Ranch Road intersection, adding left‑turn and acceleration/deceleration lanes and new connections to maintain access for local businesses.
- Installation of a stoplight that will provide access to Dolese, a concrete and construction‑materials company operating on the south side of Bonds Ranch Road.
“It would be a lot of heavy rock haulers, and they need a ton of time to get up to speed, especially going over a bridge,” Shelton said, underscoring the importance of a sturdy, well‑designed structure for the region’s freight and construction traffic.
Project funding and timeline
The $116 million effort is a joint venture of TxDOT, Tarrant County, the City of Fort Worth and the Regional Transportation Council. Partners estimate that roughly 28 acres of right‑of‑way will be required, though that figure may change as design work proceeds.
According to the presentation, no residential or non‑residential structures are expected to be displaced at this stage, and the project’s “Landowner Bill of Rights” will protect property owners’ interests.
Preliminary drawings, layout plans and environmental clearances are targeted for completion by summer 2027. Right‑of‑way acquisition will follow, with utility adjustments slated to begin in fall 2027. Construction is projected to start in summer 2028.
How the public can weigh in
The next steps include documenting, evaluating and addressing public input, as well as additional data collection and analysis. Residents who wish to comment can email [email protected], visit TxDOT.gov and search for “Bonds Ranch Road Segment 2,” or send written comments to the Tarrant County Transportation Office at 200 Taylor Street, Suite 305, Fort Worth, TX 76196.
Community involvement is encouraged, as the project aims to improve safety, reduce congestion and support local businesses while respecting the needs of nearby air traffic and rail operations.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
