ARLINGTON, Texas — The expansion of the North Texas regional trail network reached a significant milestone this month. The Texas Transportation Commission officially awarded $25 million in state funding to Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) to accelerate the Cotton Belt Trail construction.
This substantial award, provided through the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program, is specifically designated for Phase 3A of the project. This statewide initiative is designed to enhance multimodal travel by expanding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, ultimately reducing vehicle dependency and improving regional air quality.
Bridging the Gap: Phase 3A Details
The Cotton Belt Trail is a critical east-to-west corridor that spans 26 miles from Plano to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. The trail is designed to parallel the recently launched DART Silver Line commuter rail, which began passenger service in October 2025.
Phase 3A will focus on the following key segments:
- Connectivity: Linking the Cypress Waters, Addison, and Downtown Carrollton stations.
- Safety: Prioritizing grade-separated crossings and high-visibility transit interfaces.
- Timeline: Construction for this phase is currently slated to begin by mid-2027, contingent upon final coordination and planning phases.
A Regional Vision for Mobility
The project is a cornerstone of the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) “Veloweb” plan. This vision seeks to connect the entire DFW Metroplex through safe, shared-use paths. One of the most ambitious components of this plan is the DFW Discovery Trail, a 60-mile corridor that connects Arlington, Fort Worth, Grand Prairie, Irving, and Dallas.
Kevin Kokes of the NCTCOG noted that this funding strengthens the region’s commitment to providing residents with better access to education and employment hubs without the need for a personal vehicle. By following the historic Cotton Belt Railway corridor, the trail preserves a legacy of transportation while modernizing it for the 21st century.
