Texans know all too well the hassle of driving down I-35, especially during rush hour. Whether you are traveling through San Antonio, Austin, or Waco on through to Dallas, I-35 has become a congested and overused highway. With thousands of people moving to Texas each year, the state has become one of the fastest-growing areas in the nation, and quite frankly its roads can’t keep up.
Texas can proudly boast five out of the nation’s eleven fastest growing cities which are growing at almost double the rate of the rest. In 2013 alone, Texas added a total of 72,243 households. Coming in behind New York City, Houston comes in second having added 40,032 households from 2014 to 2015. San Antonio, Fort Worth, Dallas, and Austin follow closely behind. Steven Klineberg, a professor of sociology at Rice University commented on “how we accommodate that growth is going to be the challenge going forward.”
Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study
As a state with some of the largest and fastest-growing areas in the nation spread out over hundreds of miles apart, Texas is in high demand for other alternative modes of transportation. According to a news release from Rep. Henry Cuellar’s office, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) released 10 options for a high-speed passenger rail service that would connect Oklahoma City, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and South Texas.
The Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study is a crucial initiative aimed at addressing the growing need for alternative transportation options in a state known for its vast distances and rapidly expanding population. Texas, with some of the largest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the nation, is spread out over hundreds of miles, creating a demand for transportation solutions that can connect these centers efficiently and sustainably.
The study, conducted by the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), is a comprehensive exploration of the feasibility of establishing a high-speed passenger rail service along an 850-mile corridor that runs north-south through Texas and Oklahoma. This corridor connects major cities like Oklahoma City, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and South Texas, representing a significant portion of the state’s economic and population density.
The study has identified 10 distinct options for the passenger rail service, each with its own unique characteristics and potential benefits. These options range from traditional rail lines with upgraded infrastructure to entirely new high-speed rail lines built specifically for passenger service. The proposed routes and technologies vary in their cost, speed, and environmental impact, providing a range of choices for policymakers and stakeholders to consider.
The need for a robust passenger rail system in Texas is driven by several factors. The state’s population is projected to continue growing significantly in the coming decades, placing increasing strain on existing transportation infrastructure. The current reliance on automobiles for long-distance travel contributes to traffic congestion, air pollution, and energy consumption. A high-speed rail system would offer a viable alternative, reducing dependence on cars, improving air quality, and providing a more efficient and comfortable mode of transportation.
The Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study is a critical step towards realizing the potential of high-speed rail in the region. The study’s findings will inform future decisions regarding funding, infrastructure development, and implementation of a passenger rail system. The potential benefits of such a system are significant. Reduced travel time between major cities would make it a more attractive option for both business travelers and leisure travelers. A well-connected rail network can stimulate economic growth by facilitating trade, tourism, and job creation. By reducing reliance on cars, high-speed rail can contribute to cleaner air and a healthier environment. A passenger rail system can provide access to transportation for people who may not have access to cars or other forms of transportation.
The Texas-Oklahoma Passenger Rail Study represents a commitment to exploring innovative solutions for transportation challenges in a rapidly growing state. The study’s findings will guide future investments and policy decisions, paving the way for a more sustainable and connected Texas.
- Purpose of the Study: Texas, with its vast and growing urban areas spread across long distances, requires alternative transportation options. The study aims to explore the feasibility of a high-speed passenger rail service linking Oklahoma City, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, and South Texas.
- Funding and Scope: The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) allocated $5.6 million for the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to assess the proposed rail service. The study is segmented into three sections: Northern (Oklahoma City to Dallas-Fort Worth), Central (Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio), and Southern (San Antonio to South Texas).
- South Texas Routes: In South Texas, two potential routes were identified for further evaluation. The first route starts in San Antonio, extends to Laredo-Columbia Solidarity Bridge, crosses a new rail bridge to Monterrey, allowing speeds of up to 220 mph. The second route from San Antonio to Alice splits into three legs: one to San Diego and Laredo, another to McAllen then east to Harlingen and Brownsville, and a third east to Corpus Christi, with speeds reaching up to 125 mph.
- Expected Benefits: The proposed high-speed rail service could enhance connectivity between major urban centers, alleviate road congestion, offer a more sustainable transportation option, and potentially boost economic development in the region.
The FRA awarded TxDOT $5.6 million for a study called Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) to examine the possible rail service in three different sections.
- Northern (OKC to DFW)
- Central (DFW to S.A.)
- Southern (S.A. to South TX)
There are two possible routes that were selected for further study in South Texas. The first begins in San Antonio and goes to a station near Laredo-Columbia Solidarity Bridge and would then cross a new rail bridge to a new rail line and continue down to Monterrey. This particular train would have the potential to travel at speeds up to 220 mph. The second route would travel from San Antonio towards Alice where it would divide into three different legs. The first would go to San Diego, TX and then to Laredo. The second would go down to McAllen and the head east to Harlingen and Brownsville. The third leg would go east to Corpus Christi. This particular route would travel at speeds up to 125 mph.
More than 10 million people live along the 850-mile long corridor, which is expected to grow by 39% in Texas by 2035. Henry Cuellar stated that “It is my hope that this project will continue moving forward and that we will soon see high-speed rail not only from Oklahoma City to South Texas, but that Texans will eventually have the ability to travel by rail from San Antonio to Mexico.” The study is scheduled to conclude by the end of the year 2024 after the completion of a service-level environmental impact statement (EIS) and a service development plan.
