May 15 2009
Northwest Highway Project: The story behind the bridges
Northwest Highway Project: The story behind the bridges
Known to insiders as “Loop 12 - Urban Design and Public Process,” the Northwest Highway project has involved the Federal Highway Administration, the Texas Department of Transportation, the City of Dallas Public Works and Park and Recreation Departments, many stakeholders and HNTB - the corporation hired by TXDoT based on its successful history of bridge and highway planning.
This major project has been 5 years in the making and aims to address concerns surrounding bridges that were built in a flood plain during the 1930’s and 1960’s.
In short, all that large equipment seen moving dirt on a daily basis took cooperation, input and planning from a large number of local interests invested in the process.
“We looked at the history of White Rock Lake, the volume of the lake since its construction in 1910, and considered designs that included water, forestry and new infrastructure,” said James Frye, Associate VP at HNTB and Lake Ridge Estates resident. “Quite simply, these bridges are falling apart. The oldest were built in 1931 and the City of Dallas is very specific as to the elevation these bridges have to be - based on the fact they are in a flood plane.”
When the design process began, HNTB enlisted the help of the Dallas Parks Department to participate in this collaborative effort.
“This is a century decision. One that will affect our city and Lake Highlands for years to come. HNTB was initially contracted to look at the road only, but the City of Dallas signed on to help with the design and development of the city’s bike trails, made possible by the 2006 bond election,” Frye said.
Over the ensuing months and years, Frye worked with Willis Winters, Planning, Design and Construction Director for the City of Dallas, and Lake Highlands resident Joan Walne, Vice Chairperson of the Dallas Parks and Recreation Board of Directors.
“We were extremely fortunate to have had the help and support of council members Jerry Allen and Sheffie Kadane as well as Bill Blaydes, former District 10 City Councilman. All of them have been very supportive of the project and worked tirelessly toward moving it forward. The councilmen helped us communicate the need for the project to their constituents and how it will increase public safety and provide wonderful amenities to our area that sometimes only a large infrastructure project like this can initiate,” Frye said.
Instead of multiple bridges over each creek leading to White Rock Lake, plans call for single, long bridges in each direction. The bridges will be elevated over the flood plain to a height dictated by the city and will include no additional traffic lanes. Planners say the project is on track for an estimated 2011 completion.
The city plans to pick up the current hike-and-bike trail at Flag Pole Hill and run it all the way to Thurgood Lane, just west of Ferndale Road. This is near the current Jules E. Muchert Army Reserve Center, recently turned over to the City of Dallas by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“The end idea is to place a trail-head at the current armory building,” said Frye, “which means the current Parks building located at 8007 E. Northwest Highway will become a multi-use facility available for rentals, parties and groups while freeing up much-needed space for Parks and Recreation employees at the current armory building.”
Throughout the process, planners balanced the history and boat houses of White Rock Lake, the city’s code requirements, the needs and wants of the Lake Highlands community and the additional $1 million dollars the 2006 Bond Election provided for trail improvements.
“It’s been a wild ride these past 5 years, but in the end it will all be worth it to our community,” Frye said.