Dallas Secures $7 Million for Trail Project Alongside DART Silver Line
Federal Funding Breakthrough Completes Vision for 26-Mile Regional Trail Network
Dallas has secured approximately $7 million in federal funding from the Regional Transportation Council to complete the Cotton Belt Trail, which will be built alongside the DART Silver Line, marking a significant milestone in the region's transportation infrastructure development.
The funding announcement, made in early July 2025, will enable the completion of a 4-mile trail extension in Far North Dallas, connecting existing hiking and biking paths into a comprehensive regional network. The project represents years of collaborative effort between multiple cities along the Silver Line corridor and will save Dallas taxpayers millions while advancing a long-anticipated recreational amenity.
The Silver Lining of the Silver Line
The Cotton Belt Trail funding represents a crucial component of Dallas's broader transportation and recreation strategy. According to Dallas City Council Member Cara Mendelsohn, who represents District 12 where the trail extension will be constructed, the project transforms potential community disruption into lasting benefit.
"We were told each city along the Silver Line would have to fund its portion of the trail project, but we worked together to get funding," Mendelsohn stated in a news release. "This RTC funding saves the City of Dallas approximately $7 million and helps complete a vision years in the making."
The councilwoman emphasized the transformative nature of the project, noting that when she was elected six years ago, officials projected it would take two decades to secure initial funding for the Cotton Belt Trail. The development of the DART Silver Line significantly accelerated this timeline.
Creating the North Dallas Triangle
The newly funded trail extension will create what planners refer to as the "North Dallas Triangle," a 4-mile urban trail circuit that connects three major recreational corridors. This network will connect the Preston Ridge Trail, which runs north and south, with the Marni Kaner Trail, which runs east and west, and the Cotton Belt Trail itself.
According to CultureMap Dallas, the completed triangle will provide seamless access to nature and recreation across District 12, enhanced by upgrades to Preston Green and Campbell Green Parks, as well as the new Davenport Trailhead. The trail system will include approximately 2,000 feet of trail over White Rock Creek, according to FOX 4 News.
Dallas officials describe the North Dallas Triangle as more than just a recreational amenity. The integrated trail system will provide residents and commuters with multiple transportation options, connecting previously isolated neighborhoods and commercial areas.
Regional Scope and Connectivity
The Cotton Belt Trail's full 26-mile span will follow the path of the DART Silver Line from Plano to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, ultimately extending to Fort Worth and linking with Tarrant County trail systems. This ambitious scope crosses seven North Texas cities: Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano.
Mass Transit Magazine reported that some portions of the Cotton Belt Trail are already complete, with design work underway for other sections and construction set to begin in July 2025. The trail follows the former St. Louis Southwestern Railway, also known as the Cotton Belt Line, which operated from the late 1800s until its discontinuation in the 1970s.
The project's regional significance extends beyond recreation. U.S. Representative Colin Allred, who represents Texas's 32nd district, has been instrumental in securing federal support for trail development along the Silver Line corridor. In 2023, Allred announced a $25 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation specifically for trail construction.
"The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law continues to deliver for our community, and this grant will help DART with this important project that spans from Dallas to Plano along the Silver Line," Allred stated, according to NBC DFW.
Economic Impact and Community Benefits
Trail development in Dallas has historically generated substantial economic returns. The city's successful Katy Trail transformed formerly underutilized Uptown land into property worth billions of dollars, according to former Mayor Mike Rawlings. This precedent suggests the Cotton Belt Trail could similarly catalyze development along its corridor.
The economic implications extend beyond property values. According to Railway News, the DART Silver Line itself represents a significant infrastructure investment that will improve intercity connectivity across the region. The integrated trail system amplifies these benefits by providing last-mile connections and alternative transportation options.
Community benefits include improved access to recreational opportunities, particularly for residents in areas previously underserved by trail networks. The North Dallas Triangle will provide what city officials describe as "seamless access to nature and recreation," addressing longstanding gaps in the region's trail connectivity.
Technical Specifications and Safety Features
The trail extension features comprehensive safety measures designed to integrate seamlessly with Silver Line rail operations. According to Patch, the trail design features seamless integration with several Silver Line rail station platforms, thereby enhancing accessibility for both commuters and recreational users.
Construction specifications require a shared-use trail design that accommodates both pedestrians and cyclists. The trail will include standard safety features such as proper lighting, signage, and crossing infrastructure where it intersects with roadways and the rail line itself.
FOX 4 News reported that the trail will include the White Rock Creek crossing component, requiring specialized engineering to ensure both safety and environmental compatibility. This element represents one of the more complex aspects of the overall construction project.
Timeline and Implementation
Construction on the Dallas portion of the Cotton Belt Trail began in July 2025, with design work already underway according to city officials. The accelerated timeline reflects years of preliminary planning and the availability of federal funding through the Regional Transportation Council.
The broader DART Silver Line project is approximately 85% complete, with passenger service expected to launch between late 2025 and early 2026. This timeline creates synergy between the inauguration of rail service and the completion of the trail, maximizing the integrated transportation benefits.
Railway Pro reported that DART has divided the Silver Line into three construction segments to manage the project's extensive scope. Testing began in late 2024 in the segment running from Plano to Richardson, with additional segments beginning testing throughout 2025.
Funding Strategy and Regional Cooperation
The successful funding outcome marks a departure from the original city-by-city financing approach, which threatened to delay or derail the project. According to Dallas City Council Member Mendelsohn, regional cooperation proved essential to securing federal support.
The Regional Transportation Council's $7 million commitment to the Dallas portion reflects broader federal investment in North Texas infrastructure. This funding supplements the earlier $25 million federal grant announced by Representative Allred for trail development along the Silver Line corridor.
City officials emphasize that the federal funding approach eliminated what could have been decades of delay. The original city-by-city funding model would have required each municipality to independently secure financing for its trail segment, creating potential gaps and timeline disparities.
Integration with Existing Trail Networks
The Cotton Belt Trail extension connects with Dallas's existing trail infrastructure, including the established Preston Ridge Trail system. This integration represents part of a broader city strategy to create comprehensive trail connectivity throughout the metropolitan area.
According to Mass Transit Magazine, the completed trail system will provide connections between key recreational and transportation hubs, including links to transit stations and major parks. The trail's design facilitates both recreational use and practical transportation, supporting the city's multimodal transportation objectives.
The project also connects with regional trail planning efforts extending into neighboring counties. CultureMap Dallas reported that the trail will ultimately link to Tarrant County systems and extend toward Fort Worth, creating a regional network of recreational and transportation routes.
Environmental and Planning Considerations
Trail development along the Silver Line corridor required extensive environmental planning, particularly for the White Rock Creek crossing component. City officials worked with environmental agencies to ensure the trail design minimizes ecological impact while providing safe passage for users.
The Cotton Belt Trail follows the former railway right-of-way, which simplifies some environmental considerations while creating others. The historical rail corridor provides a relatively straight path through urban areas, but requires remediation and preparation for recreational use.
Planning officials emphasize that the trail design incorporates sustainable materials and construction practices. The project aligns with Dallas's broader environmental objectives, including reducing automotive dependency and promoting alternative transportation options.
Community Response and Political Support
The trail funding announcement generated a positive response from community leaders and residents throughout District 12. Council Member Mendelsohn noted that the project addresses longstanding community requests for improved recreational access and connectivity.
Political support for the project extends beyond the city limits of Dallas. The Regional Transportation Council's funding commitment reflects regional recognition of the trail's benefits for multiple communities along the Silver Line corridor.
Community advocacy groups have supported the project throughout the planning process. According to city officials, neighborhood associations and recreational organizations provided input on trail design and routing to maximize community benefits while minimizing disruption.
Future Expansion and Long-term Vision
The Cotton Belt Trail represents one component of Dallas's comprehensive trail development strategy. City officials envision an eventual expansion that will connect the trail with other major recreational corridors throughout the metropolitan area.
The successful federal funding model for the Cotton Belt Trail could serve as a template for future regional trail projects. The collaborative approach between multiple cities and the Regional Transportation Council demonstrates effective strategies for securing infrastructure funding.
Long-term planning includes potential connections with the Dallas Cultural Trail, which recently received $2 million in federal funding for engineering and design work. This project would create additional connectivity between the Cotton Belt Trail and cultural destinations throughout the city.
A Regional Transportation Transformation
The $7 million federal funding commitment for the Cotton Belt Trail extension represents more than a single infrastructure project—it embodies a regional transformation toward integrated, multimodal transportation networks. The successful collaboration between Dallas and neighboring cities, facilitated by the Regional Transportation Council, demonstrates effective regional planning and resource allocation.
As construction progresses through 2025 and the DART Silver Line approaches operational status, the Cotton Belt Trail will offer residents and visitors unprecedented access to recreational opportunities and alternative transportation options. The project's completion will realize a vision years in the making, transforming the potential disruption of rail construction into a lasting community benefit.
The trail's success may serve as a model for future regional infrastructure projects, demonstrating the effectiveness of federal funding partnerships and regional cooperation in addressing complex transportation challenges. As Dallas continues expanding its trail network and regional connectivity, the Cotton Belt Trail stands as a testament to the power of collaborative planning and sustained political commitment to infrastructure development.