If you’ve been out and about on West 7th recently, you know that the road construction is taking a toll — especially now that it is down to one westbound and one eastbound lane. You asked, and we answered — here’s everything you need to know about the prolonged West 7th Street Improvements project.
About the project 🚧
As part of the 2018 Bond Program, the road construction between University Drive and the West 7th bridge is working to balance the needs of commuter traffic. The $8.5 million project will reduce lanes to 10-10.5 ft to slow traffic. The work completed so far includes:
- Improved street lighting
- Created a landscaped median
- Designated protected bike lanes
- Added a new traffic signal at Woolery Street
- Installed pedestrian railroad safety gates
Next up: Repaving and remarking the roads.
Be prepared to stop for construction workers along the route. | Video by FTWtoday
Timeline 🗓️
Construction started in May of 2021 and is set to be substantially completed by Fri., Nov. 11. According to the city’s website, the project is approximately 70% complete.
From Mon., Oct. 24 through Thurs., Nov. 3 — excluding Friday and Saturday nights — a contractor will pave the road between University Drive and Henderson Street overnight. The road will be closed 8 p.m.-5:30 a.m. each night and reopen for traffic by 6 a.m.
Leon Wilson, Jr., a senior engineer at the Transportation and Public Works Department, told us the project has encountered delays due to utility conflicts, but teams “are working diligently to complete the project in a timely manner and avoid additional delays.”
Why now? 🏗️
Over the last decade, development has exploded with new housing, retail + restaurants popping up regularly. The rising building density has limited parking availability for long-standing businesses — a few of whom like Fred’s Texas Cafe and Lola’s Saloon have opted to leave the area for more space. And the influx of people and cars has warranted more speed control to ensure everyone’s safety.
Alternative routes 🚗
To help with the flow of traffic in an area that’s already booming with private developments — like Van Zandt project, The Crescent Fort Worth, and Museum Place — the city is working to coordinate the various projects and street closures to lessen the impact on drivers. Sometimes taking an alternative route is the best option.
Take West Lancaster Avenue (to the south) or White Settlement Road (to the north) to avoid delays and shave a few minutes off your commute.