The Loop’s TxDOT grant is a bridge to Dallas’ future
It will help us realize our vision of linking neighborhoods and people
By JEFF ELLERMAN
Construction takes place on a bridge that’s part of the planned loop trail encircling Dallas. The trail got a $10.9 million TxDOT grant this month, which will fund another bridge over a rail line. (The Loop Dallas)

On Nov. 13, Texas delivered a major victory for Dallas’ future. The Texas Transportation Commission, the governing body of the Texas Department of Transportation, formally approved $10.9 million in highly competitive grant funding for a critical segment of The Loop Dallas, specifically the Trinity Forest Spine Trail.

This grant is an affirmation of a powerful idea: Investing in safe, equitable and modern mobility is the most important investment Dallas can make for generations to come.

For too long, Dallas has struggled with historic infrastructure that divides us. In Southern Dallas, freight rail lines have acted as institutional barriers, physically separating neighborhoods like Dolphin Heights and Fair Park from vital assets.

Bridging over these rail lines will connect communities to economic opportunities, the 110-acre Parkdale Lake greenspace, the Lawnview Dallas Area Rapid Transit Station and the vast expanse of the Trinity Forest.

Secured by The Loop Dallas in partnership with Dallas Park and Recreation, the TxDOT award will fund a landmark 1,200-foot pedestrian bridge to safely transport people over a freight rail line built over 100 years ago and still active.

The bridge will literally connect Dallas to Dallas. It will provide secure, seamless public access, transforming isolated land into an accessible amenity. The impact will be immediate and profound:

Regional Mobility: It will integrate the community with a 50-mile urban circuit trail through Dallas’ urban core.

Public Safety: It will replace dangerous, informal crossings with dedicated, safe infrastructure.

Equity: It will open up enormous greenspace, promoting health, recreation and opportunity in Southern Dallas.

This success is a direct result of the public-private partnership model that has defined major greenspace projects in Dallas. We are profoundly grateful for the vision of TxDOT, whose support validates the power of these kinds of partnerships to deliver infrastructure of this magnitude. We are equally thankful to the Dallas Park and Recreation Department, whose commitment ensures that our mission to enhance the quality of life for all Dallas residents is realized.

The vision of The Loop Dallas is to connect Dallas to Dallas, uniting our communities, linking people to transit and ensuring that our rapidly growing city is safe, modern and accessible for everyone.

Jeff Ellerman is co-founder and chairman of the board at The Loop Dallas.