What’s the Deal with Loop 820 in Benbrook?

2 days ago

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If you’ve lived in Benbrook for any length of time, chances are you’ve traveled Interstate 820—better known to locals as Loop 820.

This 35-mile highway wraps around Fort Worth like a concrete belt, starting and ending right here in our corner of town. And while it’s officially called the Jim Wright Freeway in the northwest, nobody around here really says that. It’s just “820.”

Originally dreamed up in 1949 and pieced together over the decades, Loop 820 was designed to keep through-traffic out of downtown Fort Worth while connecting all the big-name highways: I-20, I-30, I-35W, SH 121, SH 183, and US 287. In short, it’s a major artery—and yes, sometimes it feels just as clogged.

Benbrook marks the loop’s starting point, where it intersects with I-20. From there, 820 sweeps north past Lake Worth, Saginaw, Haltom City, Hurst, and back around the east and south ends of Fort Worth before it loops back into I-20 near Forest Hill. It hits everything from military bases and airports to shopping districts and suburbs.

But while it’s essential, it’s not always enjoyable. The northeast section, in particular, has a reputation for bumper-to-bumper madness. That’s why massive construction projects have been underway over the last decade, including the North Tarrant Express and the more recent I-820 East Loop project, which wrapped up in 2024. Even now, planners are looking at the northwest segment for more upgrades—think wider lanes, rebuilt interchanges, and better frontage roads.

So the next time you’re stuck in traffic on 820, remember: it may not be perfect, but it’s ours—and it’s always evolving. Whether you’re headed to work, school, or a weekend getaway, Loop 820 keeps Benbrook connected to the rest of the Metroplex.