The TEX Rail Project – Region 6, Fort Worth, TX

AVA’s Role: AnilVerma Associates, Inc. (AVA) monitored TEXRail’s design, construction, and procurement processes, including analysis of system interoperability requirements with connecting and shared-track railroads and associated signal systems. In accordance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements, AVA assessed the development, implementation, and deployment of the Positive Train Control (PTC) system to confirm compliance with applicable FTA and FRA safety requirements. AVA also oversaw coordination of the PTC system, rail control center, and associated equipment. In addition, AVA participated in the TEXRail Safety and Security Certification Committee and Rail Activation Committee, providing oversight of regulatory requirements and guidance related to PTC system certification and revenue-service readiness.

Description: The TEXRail Project is a 26.8-mile commuter rail system extending from downtown Fort Worth through northeast Tarrant County to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The project includes nine stations, two of which are existing downtown Fort Worth stations shared with Trinity Railway Express (TRE) and Amtrak service. The TEXRail line also shares the DFW Airport North Station with the planned Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Cotton Belt East Line. The project was constructed primarily as a single-track alignment with passing sidings at strategic locations to support planned operations at 30-minute peak headways and 90-minute off-peak headways at opening. Commuter rail service is provided by eight diesel multiple-unit (DMU) vehicles. Rolling-stock maintenance is performed at the new Equipment Maintenance Facility, located approximately six miles northeast of downtown Fort Worth, and tail tracks are provided west of the downtown terminus station.

A Full Funding Grant Agreement was awarded in December 2016. The Fort Worth Transportation Authority’s project budget was $1.034 billion in year-of-expenditure dollars, and revenue service began in January 2019. Americans with Disabilities Act access requirements were accommodated through level boarding at each station platform.