Not a bridge too far
Star-Telegram
Some disgruntled Fort Worth residents are so opposed to the Trinity Uptown project that they are advocating rejecting a proposed $150 million bond program for desperately needed road improvements.
A mere 7 percent, or $10.2 million, of the bond package would help pay for three new bridges to be built on the north edge of downtown as part of Uptown, an urban revitalization and flood control project. The bridges are a crucial component of the project, which would provide enhanced river recreational activities and be an economic stimulus for attractive redevelopment of a drab area just north of downtown.
Another $12 million of bond money would go for building a new West Seventh Street bridge that would replace the current 95-year-old, structurally unsound bridge. No one we're aware of is upset about that.
If the Uptown opponents prevail in Saturday's bond election, the entire $150 million bond package goes down in defeat. In polling from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., residents will cast a straight "for" or "against" vote on the entire package, which is virtually all transportation-related. City officials say it would not require a property tax rate increase.
Defeat of the bond program would mean continued delays of new and expanded arterial roads of four to six lanes in fast-growing, increasingly traffic-choked areas of Fort Worth. The problem is especially severe in the Alliance area and other parts of far north Fort Worth where explosive residential and commercial development has overwhelmed an undersized road system.
The heart of the bond program is an $81 million allocation for arterial roads and $33 million for rebuilding residential streets that are so deteriorated that they no longer can be merely patched up or resurfaced. They need a total overhaul.
A defeated bond program would be a victory for gridlock and potholes. Is that what Uptown opponents want?
If you're a Fort Worth resident, what do you want? More gridlock, potholes and unsafe driving conditions? Or do you want more, better and safer roads with faster traffic flows?
The Star-Telegram Editorial Board enthusiastically recommends a "For" vote in Saturday's bond election.
THE SPENDING PLAN
Arterial roads: $81 million
Neighborhood streets: $33 million
Bridges: $22.2 million
Traffic signals/school flashers: $5 million
Transportation grant matching money: $3.3 million
2 percent public art program: $3 million
Intersection improvements: $2.5 million
Online: www.fortworthgov.org
