Both are working on specific enhancements beyond what is already in the regional plan. They will estimate the total number of trips to be reduced by the enhanced CMS, and COG will take these trips out of the roadway model to test their impact to SH 183 traffic. Halff Associates is currently preparing cost estimates for the different rail alternatives. The existing track limits the frequency of trains due to the limited number of passing tracks. The TRE currently runs at its minimum headway, approximately 20 minutes.
Double track allows trains to run more frequently.
Double tracking includes several large cost items, especially the bridges over I-35E and the Trinity River. This alternative may be refined to double track the full length except for the two high cost bridges, and see if the short headways can still be maintained. Issues regarding the impact of light rail were also discussed, including the possibility of having more stations and how the LRT will be modeled. Commuter rail stations as currently proposed should be adequate, considering the Brookhollow area is currently well served by buses. A station will be assumed in the Arlington area as well as downtown Fort Worth.