‘This is Lancaster’s time:’ Revitalization project gets $182 million green light

East Lancaster Avenue could benefit from a $182 million boost to revitalize the former economic corridor, improving accessibility and mobility. Michael Morris, director of transportation for the North Central Texas Council of Governments, anticipates the projects will be fully funded by the end of the summer. Morris announced the funding June 2 at an East Fort Worth Business Association luncheon. For Morris, the year of talking about what could be done on East Lancaster Avenue is over. Now, he said, “this is the year of doing.” “This is Lancaster’s time,” Morris said. “Lancaster needs attention about ‘what should Lancaster be today,’ compared to what it was or what it had to be.”

Using new federal and state funds, East Lancaster would have access to high-speed internet and better pedestrian and bike lanes. The multimillion dollar initiative is designed to address the area’s safety, economic, environmental and equity. Beyond the additional technology and lane upgrades, the project proposal also will address stormwater usage and flood mitigation. East Fort Worth Business Association Director Don Boren and his wife Wanda have long been involved in the revitalization of East Lancaster Avenue. This new funding, in conjunction with the I-30 proposal, will enhance connectivity in the area and make Lancaster more of a residential road rather than a highway, he said. “Instead of 10% of the traffic being destination traffic on Lancaster, we need to kick that up to 80%, for example,” Boren said. Boren also praised the plan to add broadband to improve the thoroughfare. “It makes absolute sense, with electronic control of lights, with the electronic control of the emergency vehicles, and using the internet connectivity of the boulevard to assist the connectivity in the community. It’s something that I think is relevant in today’s world,” he said.