Richardson is set to undergo several transportation projects across the city after City Council unanimously approved $14.6 million in funding plans for four projects May 11.
Funding for the projects comes primarily from federal funds granted by the Texas Department of Transportation and includes mobility improvements near the University of Texas at Dallas, safe transit plans for Richardson ISD students and crossing upgrades on Arapaho Road.
The details
Council approved funding for two projects addressing traffic near UTD, including a mobility improvement project along Synergy Park Boulevard. According to city documents, the project aims to improve sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks, lighting and bus stops along Synergy between Waterview Parkway and Floyd Road.
Project work also includes constructing a new roundabout at the intersection of Synergy and Floyd, adding sidewalks along Waterview and upgrading traffic signals at the intersection of Synergy and Rutford Avenue.
According to city documents, total project funding is about $9.5 million. The city is set to provide $1.4 million, while $1 million will come from former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred’s office and $7.1 million in federal funds from the North Central Texas Council of Governments.
Council also approved a contract for a $1.18 million intersection improvement project at Campbell Road and University Parkway, also near UTD. According to city documents, the project will address traffic capacity at this intersection by adding a second southbound left-turn lane, extending the westbound right-turn lane, replacing the traffic signal and making accessibility improvements.
According to city documents, the funding for the project primarily comes from federal funds through a TxDOT grant.
A closer look
The city secured $400,000 in federal funding through NCTCOG for a Safe Routes to School program, which encourages and facilitates active student transport, including walking and biking, to and from school. The city is set to provide an additional $100,000 for the project.
Through the program, the city will develop a strategic vision and five-year work plan that will encompass travel to all K-12 schools in Richardson. According to city documents, Richardson staff will develop a traffic safety education curriculum for schools, as well as multiple school-specific plans that will identify infrastructure changes and opportunities to make walking and biking to school safer and easier.
Also of note
The city also approved a partnership with Dallas County to fund enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle crossings at Arapaho Road under US 75. According to city documents, the project will provide additional transportation options to the new city hall. Planned work includes extending a trail on Arapaho, improving sidewalks, curb ramps and lighting, and adding a midblock crossing to the new city hall and library.
Richardson will provide $2.43 million for the project, and Dallas County will provide $1 million.
Looking ahead
Planning activities for the Safe Routes to School program are set to begin in the fall. The intersection improvements at Campbell and University are expected to begin construction this summer and be completed by early 2027.
Construction on Arapaho under US 75 is expected to start in fall 2026 and be completed by summer 2027.
Design work on the Synergy project near UTD is expected to begin in the fall, and construction will begin in 2029.
