DART receives $60 million federal grant for platform project
Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) have entered into a Full Funding Grant Agreement for $60.76 million that will help DART complete its Red and Blue Line Platform Extensions project.
The project will allow DART to accomodate more riders and longer trains by lengthening platforms at 28 stations along the extigin Red and Blue light-rail lines. The platforms at these stations currently accommodate two-car trains, but the $128.74-million project will allow the lines to accommodate three-car trains.
"This federal investment will improve mobility for thousands of people who travel throughout the Dallas Metropolitan area," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.
FTA Acting Administrator K. Jane Williams joined Dallas officials June 27 at the Downtown Plano DART station to announce the grant. FTA notes that the station, surrounded by homes, restaurants, retail establishments and a revitalized downtown, is an example of value capture and public transit’s ability to create economic benefits in communities. FTA also explains the DART Red and Blue Line Platform Extensions project will strengthen and support existing and planned developments in Plano and elsewhere along the Red and Blue Lines.
"Commuters in Dallas can now look forward to longer trains and a better commute," said Acting Administrator Williams. "We are proud to partner with the Texas Department of Transportation and DART to accommodate growing transit ridership and promote economic development as jobs and population in the Dallas area continue to increase."
Funding for the project is provided through FTA’s Capital Investment Grants (CIG) Program, which provides funding for major transit projects nationwide. Projects accepted into the program must go through a multi-year, multi-step process according to requirements in law to be eligible for consideration to receive program funds.
In March 2018, DART selected civil engineering firm Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc.to manage the project.
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