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Millions in federal funds awarded to bike, pedestrian trails across North Texas

A trail of cyclists bikes over a concrete and metal bridge.
DRC file photo
The Regional Transportation Council approved federal funds for a dozen bike and pedestrian projects, including a Silver Line bike trail in Addison and a Safe Routes to School plan in Richardson.

Bike and pedestrian trails in North Texas are getting a boost in funding after regional leaders approved a $74 million investment last week.

The Regional Transportation Council recently approved $59.6 million in federal funds for a dozen bike trail and safe school route projects in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties. The council is matching the funds with another $14.4 million.

鈥淭hese funded improvements will connect people who choose walking and bicycling as modes of transportation to schools, transit services and major hubs of employment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area,鈥 Kevin Kokes, program manager for the North Central Texas Council of Governments鈥 land-use and mobility options team, said in a news release.

The new bike plan gets rid of shared bike lanes and prioritizes safety "for everyone," one advocate says.

The bike facilities along Dallas Area Rapid Transit鈥檚 nearly completed Silver Line commuter rail in Addison, which was awarded $7.7 million. Another $12 million will go toward the T.C. Rice Trail in Carrollton, connecting Denton County Transportation Authority鈥檚 Hebron Station to DART鈥檚 Frankford station in North Carrollton.

鈥淚n addition to connecting people to destinations, the projects funded by the RTC will improve safety and comfort, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality,鈥 Kokes said.

Other projects include the Sycamore Trail extension in Denton, which will improve access for neighborhoods near DCTA鈥檚 Downtown Denton transit center. The of projects also includes trails in Fort Worth, Frisco and Crowley.

Pablo Arauz Pe帽a is 四虎影院鈥檚 growth and infrastructure reporter. Got a tip? Email Pablo at parauzpena@kera.org

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Pablo Arauz Pe帽a is the Growth and Infrastructure Reporter for 四虎影院.