A major piece of infrastructure has been approved, bringing Dallas one step closer to completing its 50-mile trail circuit, the Loop Dallas.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Commission formally approved $10.9 million in funding for phase 5 of the Trinity Forest Spine Trail on Thursday.

The grant, unlocking $3 million from the 2024 City of Dallas bond, funds a new bridge connecting the Lawnview DART Station to the 110-acre Parkdale Lake greenspace and the Trinity Forest.

The bridge will span a quarter mile over active Union Pacific rail lines, transforming an institutional barrier into an access point and unlocking vital public access to east Dallas.

The funding marks the first major public investment in the Loop since 2021, made possible through a partnership with TxDOT and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department.

“We are profoundly grateful for the partnership and vision of TxDOT in supporting The Loop Dallas,” Jeff Ellerman, board chairman of The Loop Dallas, said. “By working together, we solve generational infrastructure problems, enhancing regional mobility and public safety, and realizing our full vision of connecting Dallas to Dallas.”

The Loop Dallas was one of only 12 projects selected statewide for the competitive funding.

The organization expects to break ground on the new bridge within the next year.

This funding is part of a larger project from the Texas Transportation Commission.

On Thursday, the organization approved more than $284.8 million for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that will help improve safety, mobility, access and quality of life for people across the state.

These federal transportation alternative funds will go toward 73 projects statewide that will build sidewalks, shared-use paths, dedicated bicycle lanes and pedestrian bridges. They will also be used for the development of active transportation plans that will help communities plan for non-motorized connected networks.

Examples of projects statewide include:

  • New and upgraded sidewalks
  • Shared-use paths for biking and walking
  • On-street bicycle lanes
  • 15 planning studies
  • Safety enhancements like school zone upgrades, pedestrian crossings and lighting

For more information, visit the TxDOT website.