City of Fort Worth prepares to adopt award-winning East Berry Corridor plan that promises transformative infrastructure and economic growth from IH-35W to Lake Arlington
Tarrant County, Texas – The comprehensive study of the East Berry Corridor, spanning from IH-35W to Lake Arlington, is progressing smoothly and is poised for review and adoption by the City Council in the coming months. This initiative aims to transform East Berry Street through a meticulous redesign adhering to Complete Streets design standards, which emphasize safety, comfort, and accessibility for all users including pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
The significance of this study extends beyond mere infrastructure improvements; it is intricately linked to the East Berry Street Corridor Improvements Project, part of the 2022 Bond program. This project promises not only to enhance the thoroughfare from IH-35 to Miller Avenue but also to bolster the city’s ability to compete for grants and other crucial funding opportunities. These enhancements are expected to catalyze rapid capital delivery and spur economic growth within the area.
A pivotal component of the corridor study is its inclusion in the considerations for the 2026 bond program, specifically targeting the stretch from Cobb Park Drive to US-287. To inform this extensive project, the city enlisted the expertise of Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc.
The consulting firm embarked on a comprehensive engagement strategy beginning in January 2023 and concluding in August 2024. This strategy involved multiple open houses, focus groups, and surveys, complemented by a dedicated website designed to gather and assimilate community feedback on various aspects such as street design, transportation priorities, and economic development.
The feedback and data collected have been synthesized into several key documents, including an existing conditions report, a needs analysis, and a detailed implementation plan. These documents outline a strategic approach to the corridor’s redevelopment, featuring innovative solutions like the installation of fiber and cooling pavements. Moreover, the plan identifies nine strategic sites earmarked for economic revitalization, aiming to transform these areas into bustling hubs of activity and commerce.
One of the most notable accolades for this ambitious plan was its recognition at the 2024 Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association Conference, where it received the Gold award for transportation plans. This award underscores the plan’s comprehensive nature and its alignment with broader urban planning and development goals.
Looking ahead, the final draft of the East Berry Street Corridor Plan is scheduled for presentation to the City Council for adoption in either April or May. Approval of the plan will set the stage for a series of legislative and regulatory changes, including the adoption of a new form-based code and corresponding zoning adjustments to ensure alignment with the corridor’s new design and objectives. Additionally, amendments to the Master Thoroughfare Plan will be considered, setting a robust framework for the corridor’s transformation into a model of modern urban transportation and economic vitality.
If the City Council adopts the plan as expected, it will mark a significant milestone in the city’s efforts to reimagine and revitalize one of its key corridors, thereby enhancing the quality of life for its residents and strengthening its economic foundations.
