New bridges and pathways will soon provide unprecedented access to previously segregated neighborhoods in Dallas County while providing urban and natural views for pedestrians and cyclists.
Six new trails are expected to be completed over the next two years, connecting north and south Dallas and providing hikers with clear access to rivers and other trails. New developments include a walkable bridge over US Highway 75, a path from Dallas to its western neighbor Fort Worth, and an 80-mile loop that will connect the entire city.
The trails are part of the city’s efforts to reconnect the Dallas neighborhoods – especially in areas south of Interstate 30 that have historically been underserved.
“I see all of these trails as an important way to … make it easier for people to either walk or bike to stops, or just walk or bike to neighborhood destinations,” said Jared White. a planning and design manager for Dallas Park and Recreation.
Here are six avenues that will change the city’s landscape and make car-free transportation easier for Dallas residents.
West Dallas
Trinity Skyline Trail Connector
Project cost: $ 5.6 million
Completion: Open
As part of the 65-mile Fort Worth to Dallas Regional Trail, this extension of the Trinity Skyline Trail connects the westernmost border of Dallas with Irving and runs along the Trinity River in West Dallas. The trail crosses the Elm Fork in the Stemmons Corridor and connects to the Campion Trail from Irving. The Campion Trail offers views of green and urban spots, runs along the Elm Fork Trinity River, and provides access to sports fields and picnic areas. The trail gives access to Trinity View Park in Irving and connects suburbs with downtown Dallas.
Trinity Strand Trail Phase II
Project cost: $ 5.5 million
Completion: late autumn 2022 or spring 2023
The second phase of the Trinity Strand Trail runs from the Dallas Market Center and Turtle Creek Boulevard to the Inwood Road DART station. The first phase of the Trinity Strand Trail has already been built and runs from Oak Lawn and I-35 to Medical District Drive. This part of the trail goes through the Medical District, past the Dallas Market Center and Parkland DART stations. When completed, the trail will connect over 73 miles of hiking trails in the Dallas area, including downtown and downtown, the Southwestern Medical District and the Dallas Design District.
A long-awaited extension of the Katy Trail under Interstate 35 to the Design District and Trinity River takes a giant step towards a reality. Dallas’ Sports Arena Tax Hike Finance Committee recommends using $ 11.5 million from its bond fund to help make the $ 22 million project a reality. A group promoting the plan has already raised $ 10 million in private donations. The so-called Hi-Line Connector would connect the popular route from its end point in Victory Park to the opposite side via an underpass. Proponents see this as an opportunity to open up the Trinity River area for additional mixed-use development.
Hi-line connection
Project cost: $ 18 million
Completion: late 2022 or early 2023
The mile-long Hi-Line Connector leads through Victory Park and into the Design District and connects the Katy Trail with the Trinity Strand Trail. The trail will connect areas in downtown Dallas and include a section under the freeway as well as a 12 foot concrete walkway that will expand transportation from the Katy Trail to the Trinity Strand Trail. The portion of the trail below I-35E will include lighting and art installations.
“The end-user part is really going to be the most powerful part of this entire project,” said Philip Hiatt Haigh, executive director of the Circuit Trail Conservancy. “We’ve seen trails in Dallas before, but we’ve never had a trail that connects the whole city in a meaningful way.”
Honey Springs-Cedar Crest Trail
Project cost: $ 4.5 million
Completion: August
After almost four years of construction, city guides expect to open the nearly 8 km long Oak Cliff Trail in the east this month. The trail passes the Cedar Crest Golf Course and connects schools, the DART Illinois station and a library. The path, which includes roadways and a pedestrian bridge, will run along East Illinois Avenue and intersect near South Marsalis Avenue. The trail passes residential areas and John Phelps Park, which has a recreation center, playground, and picnic areas.
Northaven Trail Bridge
Project cost: $ 20.8 million
Completion: spring 2023
The 800 meter long Northaven Trail Bridge near Royal Lane will allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross US Highway 75 and White Rock Creek to the east. The bridge is significant because it will connect the Northaven, White Rock Creek and Cottonwood Paths east of the bridge. The North Dallas Bridge will have its own parking lot at the trailhead, an arch over the bridge lanes, and will pass restaurants and other local businesses near the freeway.
The connection project will bridge the gap between the already popular Northaven Trail, a relatively flat trail with access to numerous schools, restaurants and shopping. The bridge is not currently open, but construction has started on both the east and west sides, according to Jeff Kitner, president of the Friends of Northaven Trail.
The circular route
Construction on the Hi-Line Connector and Trinity Forest Spine Trail of the 80-mile loop in Dallas will begin later this year. The loop, which aims to connect nine boroughs and has been in development for more than a decade, is spearheaded by the nonprofit Circuit Trail Conservancy. New additions include four hiking trails totaling more than 16 miles, connecting 39 miles of existing trails to combine urban views with natural landmarks across the city. If the nonprofit receives approval from the Texas Department of Transportation in November, Hiatt Haigh said, the project could raise total funding of $ 85 million.
“You can go around in circles and never end up in the same place,” said Hiatt Haigh.
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A cyclist rides the White Rock Creek Trail on White Rock Lake in Dallas on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. Construction begins on extensions that will connect the Trinity Forest Spine Trail from White Rock Lake to the Great Trinity Forest. (Elias Valverde II / The Dallas Morning News)(Elias Valverde II / employee photographer)
Trinity Forest Spine Trail Phase I.
Project cost: $ 5.6 million
Completion: end of 2022
The first phase of the Trinity Forest Spine Trail leads from the Santa Fe Trail to Samuell Boulevard. It is the first stage of the longest portion of the loop that is designed to connect White Rock Lake and East Dallas to South Dallas and the Trinity Forest Trail System. The route, which will be divided into north and south sections, will connect areas on both sides of I-30. The starting point on Samuell Boulevard will be cleared of rubbish and has its own cycle and pedestrian path.
Hiatt Haigh said the trail will be similar to the White Rock Creek Trail, but at a certain elevation to avoid flooding issues that can occur there. The 7.5-mile Spine Trail will allow residents south of I-30 to travel safely to the northern neighborhoods without a car.
Connect Dallas
The circular route
Construction on the Hi-Line Connector and Trinity Forest Spine Trail of the 80-mile loop in Dallas will begin later this year. The loop, which aims to connect nine boroughs and has been in development for more than a decade, is spearheaded by the nonprofit Circuit Trail Conservancy. The new additions include four hiking trails totaling more than 10 miles, connecting 39 miles of existing trails to combine urban views with natural landmarks across the city. If the nonprofit receives approval from the Texas Department of Transportation in November, Hiatt Haigh said, the project could raise total funding of $ 85 million.
“You can go around in circles and never end up in the same place,” said Hiatt Haigh.
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