The overview
The funds will be used to build pedestrian bridges and plazas over or underneath different highways at four areas in Dallas and McKinney:
1. I-30 Canyon project in Dallas
- Installation of support structures for three pedestrian parks to be constructed across the interstate
- Extension of an existing pedestrian park further west
- Complete a pedestrian crossing’s second phase to complete the plaza and connect two roadways
- Construct a pedestrian plaza beneath a raised bridge within the corridor
USDOT awarded the funds from its Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods Grant program. The funding aims to reconnect communities cut off by transportation infrastructure decades ago and left without direct access to schools, jobs, medical offices and places of worship, according to a USDOT news release.
Zooming out
USDOT awarded more than $235 million to Texas projects and more than $3.3 billion across the U.S. Funds were also awarded to projects in Houston, San Antonio, Austin and El Paso, according to the news release.
Click here for more information about the grant program and a full list of this year’s awardees.
Looking back
McKinney City Council approved funds for design of the Lower 5 Plaza project, formerly referred to as the deck park project, in December. The project plans include adding an at-grade bridge with a walkable underpass connecting park areas on either side of SH 5.
The city is partnering with the Texas Department of Transportation and the NCTCOG on the project. The bridge schematic design is expected to be completed and sent to TxDOT this spring, according to the city of McKinney’s website.
The project is slated to begin the environmental and public engagement phase this year.
