TRANSPORTATION
It is estimated that by 2045, Parker County
will increase in population by 57%. Such growth
implies the need for significant expansion and
improvement of the county’s transportation
infrastructure. County Judge Pat Deen along
with the County Commissioners are tasked with
overseeing the voter approved $76.2 million
transportation bond covering projects around the
county such as new highways, road widenings,
realigned intersections, and improved storm water
drainage.
In 2017, engineering firm Freese and Nichols,
Inc. was charged with researching the county’s
growth patterns and creating a framework to help the
county prepare for long-term growth. Their vision
is to assist Parker County in developing a system of
thoroughfares and corridors that promote mobility,
connectivity and safety; maintain and improve the
existing infrastructure; and leverage economic benefit
to sustain the plan’s long-term viability in a fiscally
responsible manner.
The county’s largest project, which is currently
underway, is the $56.6 million East Loop. This
major roadway will connect FM 51 on the north
side of Weatherford to Interstate 20. This project
will improve mobility and significantly reduce
the amount of congestion through the downtown
Weatherford area.
The most traveled roadway in the county is
Interstate 20, which bisects Parker County to the
east and west. It is estimated that in 2020, close to
100,000 vehicles will travel this freeway every day.
With 10-15 people moving into Parker County daily,
traffic congestion will continue to grow affecting
every city in the area.
In addition to I-20, FM 5, FM 1187, US
180, SH 730, and Bankhead are key roadways
for drivers living in Parker County. Many of
the county’s residents have easy access to these
thoroughfares. For commuters making the 20-30
minute drive to Fort Worth, I-20, SH 199, White
Settlement Road, FM 1886, and Aledo Iona Road
provide easy east and west connections.
Located near FM 5 and I-20 is Parker County
Airport, a privately owned airport serving the
local community. For travelers looking to fly
commercially, there are two major airports just
an hour away from the Parker County area:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport and
Dallas Love Field.
In early 2020, the County formed a
collaborative group that consists of all Parker
County cities, Independent School Districts,
North Texas Council of Governments, and Texas
Department of Transportation. This group
focuses on planning for future growth as well as
other roadway concerns in the area. County
Judge Pat Deen states, “This collaborative effort
brings together important stakeholders that can
help identify the critical transportation needs of
Parker County. As one unified voice, we will
work together to create a better future for our
citizens and community.”
Parker County is also home to a small airport
near FM 5 and I-20 that serves private aircraft
along with a larger airport that includes two 6,000
PHOTO CREDIT: WALSH
PHOTO CREDIT: WALSH
www.EastParkerChamber.com 77