The overview
The Cotton Belt Trail is a hike-and-bike trail that, once completed, will link a number of cities across the metroplex, stretching 57 miles from Plano to downtown Fort Worth, of which 21.5 miles have already been completed, including a small section in Richardson just west of US 75.
The second phase of construction began in spring 2025 on 11 miles of the trail from Addison to Plano, including nearly 3 miles that will run through Richardson. This portion of the trail is projected to be completed in early 2027, said Mario Zavala, Dallas Area Rapid Transit communications project manager.
The third phase of construction, which the new $25 million will go toward, is slated to begin in mid-2027 and will connect DART stations in Cypress Waters, Addison and downtown Carrollton.
What’s happening
The Cotton Belt Trail will stretch from Waterview Drive to President George Bush Turnpike in Richardson, and the work is projected to be completed by early 2027, Zavala said.
Construction on two pedestrian bridges in Richardson started in the fall. Custer Bridge will be located south of President George Bush Turnpike, and Spring Creek Bridge will be just east of US 75.
DART oversees design and construction of the trail from the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Plano, but Zavala said the Cotton Belt Trail plans will not be affected if any cities decide to leave DART.
Another thing
Cotton Belt Trail primarily runs alongside the Silver Line, where active quiet zones keep train horns largely silent. However, when trail construction is in the area, Zavala said residents may hear train horns.
“Quiet zones are still in effect,” Zavala said. “But if the workers are in the area or if we have equipment moving in the area, then there will be train horns used.”
