TEX Rail plans continue on track, with the Fort Worth Transportation Authority board approving several project contracts at this week’s regular board meeting.
When complete, the commuter rail line will run on a 27-mile corridor from downtown Fort Worth, northeast across Tarrant County to Grapevine and into Terminal B at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
Pre-construction services were confirmed on April 27 as the T Board approved a contract with Archer Western/Herzog Joint Venture calling for the firm to work with the project’s design team in pursuing a more efficient and cost-effective design.
“This contract for pre-construction services is very important because it will lay the groundwork for future construction,” said Paul Ballard, The T president and CEO in a news release.
“It will help isolate and mitigate any construction risks, costs and schedule concerns, and will make TEX Rail construction more effective and efficient,” Ballard said.
Also approved at this week’s meeting was an agreement with Stadler Bussnang AG for purchasing eight diesel multiple unit rail vehicles.
The T began the procurement process for the vehicles in 2014 due to the three year average lead time for developing specifications, production, delivery and operation training for staff, Ballard said.
When the order has been provided, vehicle assembly will occur in North Texas.
Also at this week’s meeting, The T Board approved final design plans for two North Richland Hills stations – the Iron Horse Station and the Smithfield Road Station, while moving forward on land purchases for the TEX Rail project.