Texas may be a little easier to navigate in the coming years.
A Houston-to-Dallas high-speed train and completion of the North Tarrant Expressway six months ahead of schedule were some of the topics at the 2014 Northeast Tarrant Transportation Summit on Feb. 21 at the Hurst Convention Center.
As Texas grows, so does demand for effective transportation. Politicians and experts weighed in on what is being done to improve transportation, what will be done in the future and how projects may be funded.
North Tarrant Expressway update
The biggest news from this year's summit was the announcement that the NTE–a $2.5 billion highway construction project–will be completed at least six months ahead of schedule.
"The goal line is within sight on this project," said Robert Hinkle, director of corporate affairs for NTE Mobility Partners.
The 13.3-mile project began in 2010 and was on track to be completed by June 2015, but it will be done by the end of 2014, Hinkle said.
Expansion of highways, work on frontage roads and the addition of TEXpress toll lanes are just some of the work that has been done throughout the years to improve transportation in the area.
"This will open up a massive corridor for North Texas drivers," Hinkle said in a statement released Feb 21. "There will be a nearly seamless connection from North Dallas to downtown Fort Worth."
Dallas-to-Houston rail update
Still years away from becoming a reality, optimism is high regarding a high-speed rail line from Houston to Dallas.
"Those of us in Houston have to admit Dallas exists," joked Robert Eckels, president of Texas Central Railway, a group focused on bringing a DFW-to-Houston rail line to the state.
He and other officials have made trips abroad to get ideas for what rail model would work best in Texas, he said. The best model they have come across is from Japan, Eckels said, and he hopes foreign builders can be convinced Texas is a viable place for such a line.
A business-friendly climate, growing population and lack of competition make Texas a desirable location, Eckels said. By 2035, Eckels said he hopes a 90-minute train ride from Houston to Dallas will be a reality.
"We're excited about bringing this technology to Texas," Eckels said.
