The overview
The overpass will join the Northaven Trail on the west side of North Central Expressway to the Cottonwood Creek and White Rock Creek trails on the east side. It will provide an arched 201-foot-long bridge across the highway for pedestrians and cyclists, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s website.
Construction on the project began in June 2021, and the bridge itself was constructed last spring, TxDOT spokesperson Tony Hartzel said. The project construction company, Ragle Inc., assembled the bridge behind the Conn’s Home Plus store at the northeast corner of North Central Expressway and Royal Lane.
“The bridge is in place and fully put together,” Hartzel said. “We’re finalizing the plans to move this 201-foot-long bridge piece from behind the building to the side of the road and then lift it into place onto the columns that are already there.”
The cost
The project’s budget is $9.3 million with the majority of funding coming from Dallas County, the city of Dallas and the North Central Texas Council of Governments, Hartzel said.
Who’s it for
Hartzel said the project will provide a “gateway and centerpiece” for the north Dallas area while providing a focal point for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s meant to improve recreational opportunities in the area while also reducing barriers to transportation options.
Currently, those looking to cross North Central Expressway on bike or foot have to veer north from Northaven Trail to a trail that goes underneath the highway, which can be challenging, Hartzel said. The pedestrian bridge is expected to fix that problem.
“This is a much better option for those bicyclists and pedestrians,” he said. “They’ve been looking for this for a long time, and we’re really excited to get this completed.”
Stay tuned
Hartzel said the project is expected to be complete in September, but an exact opening date has not been set. Friends of the Northaven Trail, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the trail’s maintenance and support, is expected to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the bridge in mid- to late October.
