The $2 million project needs buy-in from the Regional Transportation Council, a subcommittee of the North Central Texas Council of Governments, before it can proceed.
Proposed improvements would make the Greenville Avenue and Arapaho Road intersection safer for users of both Central Trail and the bike lane, according to the project's funding application.
The project would also extend the Central Trail from the US 75 northbound frontage road to Greenville via Arapaho and add street lights along certain areas.
The goal is to improve gateways into The Core and The IQ, two areas that have been the focus of recent city-led redevelopment efforts. Improvements would improve accessibility to and reduce congestion in these areas.
Most of the project would be funded through a federally backed grant program that encourages alternate transportation methods, such as cycling and walking. Local agencies must kick in 20% of the necessary funds, according to the application. Richardson would use credits accrued from capital investments into toll facilities to cover its share of $340,000.
The Regional Transportation Council will approve grant requests in September. Design for the project is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2021. Construction will begin in the final quarter of 2022 and should take about a year to complete.
