Texas council taps LAN to study proposed high-speed rail station

The North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) has selected a team led by Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN) to conduct a planning study for a high-speed rail station in downtown Dallas.

Currently, three high-speed rail corridors are under consideration in Texas: Texas Central Partners' privately funded Dallas-to-Houston line, the Texas Department of Transportation's proposed Oklahoma-Texas line, and the Core Express Service (CES) route between Dallas and Fort Worth.

The study is one of three procurement efforts NCTCOG has initiated for the CES corridor's development, LAN officials said in a press release.

LAN's study will help NCTCOG, the city of Dallas and other agencies evaluate potential station locations to ensure accessibility; examine compatibility with station location and design proposed by Texas Central Partners; and develop a station area plan that advances Dallas economic development.

"This study is a critical step in assessing the compatibility of the various high speed rail programs and implementing a seamless regional rail system," said Chris Masters, LAN vice president of rail and transit.

LAN will be supported by sub-consultants AZTEC/TYPSA and Leo A Daly. AZTEC/TYPSA will draw on its knowledge implementing high-speed rail projects around the world, while Leo A Daly will provide land use and economic development services.

The sub-consultant team also includes Bowman Engineering & Consulting, DRW Planning Studio and Civil Associates.

The study will be completed in summer.