FORT WORTH - They're not moving but thousands of North Texas families will soon find themselves living closer to downtown Fort Worth.

A billion-dollar deal has been reached allowing for construction of a parkway from Cleburne to downtown Fort Worth, slashing those lengthy commutes.

Southwest Fort Worth residents have good reason to be frustrated.

On many days, you could drive from downtown at I-30, all the way to downtown Dallas, in less time that it takes a commuter to reach his home in Southwest Fort Worth.

A new project aims to change that.

For 40 years, local leaders have pushed the need for a parkway along the southwest corridor of Fort Worth, stretching into Johnson County.

"You see, it's the missing section between Interstate 35W and Interstate 30," said Michael Morris from the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).

Recently, the biggest stumbling block was the busy Fort Worth rail yard. Union Pacific was concerned activity would have to cease while the parkway was constructed over it and thus fought the parkway - until now.

"We've come to an agreement with Union Pacific," said Councilman Jungus Jordan.

This week, the city and North Texas Tollway Authority agreed to pay $90 million toward the construction of framework that would allow train activity to continue during construction, away from the workmen.

"I think a lot of people for a lot of years never thought this day would come and this day is now right around the corner," said Jordan.

The NTTA will run the finished parkway.

"Funding is going to be through a user fee toll road system," said Morris.

The project's expected to eventually pay for itself.

"We hope to see it open and running for the public by 2012," said Jordan.

If all goes well, construction should begin in the spring of this year, with the parkway stretching from the Summit exit on I-30 down to Cleburne.

E-mail chawes@wfaa.com.