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 longterm
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 traveled
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 foot runways at the Mineral Wells
Airport which is located in far western Parker County along
the Palo Pinto County line.
By Land
Parker County is part of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington,
TX Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), an official title
designated by the United States Office of Management and
Budget. It encompasses 13 counties within the U.S. state
of Texas including Parker County. East Parker County is
just minutes west of Fort Worth, and is served by several
roadways: Interstate 20, U.S. Highway 180, State FM 1187
and State FM 5. Interstate 30 joins Interstate 20 near the
eastern boundary of Parker County.
By Rail
Passenger service on the Amtrak Texas Eagle is available
at the Intermodal Transportation Center in downtown Fort
Worth. Intermodal freight transportation is handled by the
www.EastParkerChamber.com 81