City Council to Move Ahead with Next Steps for Tollway Crossing

Published on October 29, 2024

At the October 22 City Council meeting, staff presented the latest progress on the North Texas Tollway Authority (NTTA) Pedestrian Crossing Feasibility Study at Belt Line Road. This study represents a key step in improving pedestrian and bicycle access across the Dallas North Tollway (DNT), addressing one of the most significant barriers to safe and convenient active transportation between west and east Addison.

The feasibility study stems from the City-Wide Trails Master Plan (CWTMP), adopted by the Council in May 2021, which highlights the Dallas North Tollway (DNT) as the greatest obstacle for active transportation between west and east Addison. Specifically, Chapter 5 of the CWTMP emphasizes the need for a safer crossing at the Belt Line Road overpass, where a shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists could dramatically improve access across the tollway.

In the FY2023/2024 budget, funding was set aside to examine potential solutions. Engineering firm Kimley-Horn Associates was brought on board to conduct a feasibility study to determine the best approach for creating a pedestrian and bicycle crossing along Belt Line Road. Their work includes structural and roadway analysis, preliminary and final conceptual design, and 3D renderings to help visualize the crossing.

A key feature of the study was the closure of the southside bridge U-turn at Belt Line Road, which allowed traffic engineers to observe pedestrian and vehicle activity during peak hours. The data gathered will guide recommendations on future signal adjustments and ensure traffic safety.

Beyond enhancing pedestrian and cyclist safety, another goal was to create a recognizable landmark that will identify the town to drivers along the Dallas North Tollway. The next phase will involve coordinating with the City of Dallas, including the use of Dallas right-of-way, to move the project closer to fruition and explore funding mechanisms.