Fort Worth Council approves major redevelopment plan to revitalize East Berry Street corridor from I-35 to Lake Arlington

Fort Worth, Texas – In a major step toward revitalizing the East Berry Street area, the Fort Worth City Council officially adopted the East Berry Street Corridor Plan on Tuesday. This comprehensive planning document lays out a transformative vision for the corridor stretching from Interstate 35 to the edge of Lake Arlington, proposing a redesigned road that will better accommodate walking, biking, and public transportation.

The East Berry Street Corridor Plan focuses on turning this stretch of roadway into a mixed-use, transit-friendly corridor. The goal is to create a safer, more efficient route that supports a wider range of travel options while spurring much-needed economic development in the surrounding neighborhoods. The adoption marks the next step in a process that began in January 2023 and concluded in August 2024.

Comprehensive Community Engagement and Strategic Planning

Throughout the development of the plan, the City worked closely with residents and stakeholders. The planning process included four rounds of open houses, targeted focus groups, surveys, and an accessible public-facing website that allowed citizens to provide feedback. Consultant firm Kimley-Horn and Associates Inc. led the engagement strategy, helping to prioritize community voices on matters like zoning, street design, and transportation needs.

While the current document contains only recommendations, the plan’s scope is broad and forward-looking. It includes installation of cooling pavement and fiber infrastructure, as well as the identification of nine strategic sites for future economic development. These suggestions align with the City’s broader goals of promoting sustainability, mobility, and equity.

Next Steps and Implementation Timeline

Now that the City Council has formally adopted the plan, the next phase is turning recommendations into real-world outcomes. This includes the introduction of a form-based code tailored to support the plan’s mixed-use vision, as well as amendments to the Master Thoroughfare Plan. Adjustments to zoning will follow to align with the new form-based standards.

Key dates for implementation include:

• Plan Adoption: Spring 2025

• Master Thoroughfare Plan Amendment: Spring/Summer 2025

• Form-Based Code Adoption: Fall 2025

• Zoning Amendments: Fall/Winter 2025

• East Berry Schematic Design (I-35 to Miller Avenue): Fall 2025

These updates will be critical in increasing Fort Worth’s competitiveness for future funding opportunities, particularly through grants targeting infrastructure and community development.

Recognition and Future Outlook

In recognition of its innovative approach, the East Berry Street Corridor Plan received the Gold Award for Transportation Plans from the Texas Chapter of the American Planning Association in 2024. This honor underscores the plan’s thoughtful integration of safety improvements, transit access, and economic revitalization.

Looking ahead, East Berry Street from Cobb Park Drive to US-287 is being evaluated for inclusion in the 2026 Bond Program, which would further solidify the City’s commitment to transforming the corridor. As these improvements progress, Fort Worth officials and community leaders alike hope the plan will bring long-lasting benefits to residents, businesses, and visitors throughout the area.