DALLAS/FT. WORTH — The Regional Transportation Council approved $55 million in federal funding for construction of 13 active transportation projects in Collin, Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties. A combined $8 million in local match provided by the local communities brings the total investment in the region’s bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to $63 million as part of the 2022 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program Call for Projects.

These funded improvements will connect people who choose active modes of transportation, such as walking and bicycling, to schools and major hubs of employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. In addition, projects awarded funding by the RTC will improve safety and comfort, reduce traffic congestion, and improve air quality.

Among the 13 projects funded are critical trail bridges for the planned Cotton Belt Trail in Plano ($14 million) and Addison ($12 million) being implemented alongside Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s Silver Line commuter rail line, which will run from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Plano. Funding for the Rowlett Creek Trail in Allen ($3 million) and the Iron Horse Trail in Frisco ($4 million) will fill in critical gaps in the regional trail network in Collin and Denton counties and connect neighboring cities.

Transportation safety is a major focus for the North Central Texas Council of Governments to significantly reduce traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities throughout the region. Approximately $3 million in funding was awarded to Safe Routes to School sidewalk projects located in Fort Worth and North Richland Hills. These projects will facilitate safe travel for students accessing schools in disadvantaged communities.