City staff announced Monday that the City’s interlocal agreement (ILA) with DART concerning the Silver Line project, originally authorized in 2018, is being amended to reflect alterations/additions to the project. The ILA involves funding by the City (via TIF Zones) in exchange for enhancements made to the base Silver Line project within the Richardson corridor.
Amendments include:
- Traffic improvements will be added to the Alma Road/Bush Turnpike intersection.
- The “short sound walls” planned for elevated bridges and retaining wall structures have been removed from the project’s design due to aesthetic and maintenance concerns (rail cars have been upgraded with wheel “skirts” that will reduce noise along with enhanced landscaping).
- DART will be allowed flexibility in the bidding/construction of the US 75 bridge archways, separate from the main project; the lighted archways are to be constructed within 24 months after Silver Line service begins (expected revenue start date is now late 2025 or mid-2026).
- The crossing at Custer Parkway is being constructed “at-grade” instead of “grade separated” (train overpass), and traffic infrastructure enhancements near the area are being planned accordingly; in addition, a hike/bike bridge will be installed.
Website: www.dart.org/silverline
