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emphasizing corridors with high KSI crash rates. The methodology prioritized gaps based on freight volume, LOS, last-mile access, and safety risk, producing a set of local and regional gap maps for targeted interventions. Key Outcomes Included: ■ Identification of local freight gaps near Alliance, Downtown Fort Worth, and southern distribution hubs. ■ Recognition of last-mile deficiencies at industrial clusters where trucks disperse onto low-class roads. ■ Mapping of regional connectivity gaps along major corridors linking Fort Worth to surrounding counties. ■ Highlighting of freight safety hotspots at intersections and access points with high crash densities. What We Learned The freight gap analysis identified critical deficiencies in Fort Worth’s ability to support efficient and safe goods movement, particularly in last-mile connectivity and regional corridor continuity. Figure 6.10 identifies the high-volume freight clusters, such as Alliance and major intermodal hubs, lack direct, high-capacity links to arterial networks, forcing trucks onto local roads and creating operational inefficiencies. OD analysis revealed ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION
6.4.3. Freight Freight movement is a cornerstone of Fort Worth’s economy, supporting regional supply chains and connecting businesses to national and international markets. The Freight Gap Analysis evaluates how well the current network accommodates truck traffic and intermodal connectivity, identifying deficiencies that hinder efficiency, safety, and reliability. Addressing these gaps is critical for reducing congestion, improving last-mile access, and enabling freight corridors to handle projected growth without compromising community livability or roadway safety. Identify Needs The analysis began by mapping the designated freight network, including the National Highway Freight Network, TxDOT truck routes, and intermodal connectors. Using freight trip data and OD analysis at the census tract level, the clusters of high freight activity were identified and connectivity to major industrial hubs, rail yards, and distribution centers was evaluated. Shortest-path routing and LOS projections for 2045 highlighted inefficiencies in primary and alternative routes, particularly where trucks rely on local roads or face circuitous access. CRIS data was integrated to pinpoint safety hotspots involving commercial vehicles,
circuitous routing patterns and bottlenecks that increase travel times and costs, while crash data highlighted safety hotspots along key freight corridors. These findings underscore the need for targeted investments in designated truck routes, improved access to industrial clusters, and safety enhancements to reduce conflicts between freight and other modes. Addressing these gaps will be essential to maintaining economic competitiveness and accommodating projected freight growth through 2050. Issue #1: Growth Contributing to Congestion & Accident Commercial and industrial growth, especially in the north and northeast, are increasing freight traffic on existing congested and indirect roads with higher rates of freight-related injuries. Analysis Takeaways ■ 234,457 daily freight trips (origins and destinations)
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Fort Worth Master Transportation Plan | Multimodal Gap Analysis
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