Media Relations Contact:
Morgan Lyons

February 18, 2000

Public meetings set to discuss final rail section

DART Board advances Fair Park rail route

DART has completed the first step toward getting Fair Park and Pleasant Grove on light rail, approving eight miles of the 10.2-mile alignment from downtown to southeast Dallas.

DART is holding community meetings in March to gather additional public input before selecting the final two miles of the rail line in April. The meetings are scheduled for March 22 at the Pleasant Grove Library and March 29 at William Anderson Elementary School.

The first eight miles of the alignment were approved by DART's Board of Directors, with a double track rail line going east along Bryan Street from DART's Pearl Station, turning south along Good-Latimer Expressway, then turning east at Gaston Avenue following the old Union Pacific rail line to the northwest corner of Fair Park, turning south at Parry Avenue. The route crosses R.B. Cullum Boulevard, and follows the former Southern Pacific Railroad alignment southeast. (see map)

At issue is whether the final two miles of the line will continue on the Southern Pacific route beyond Lake June Road to Elam Road at Buckner Boulevard, or turn east at Lake June Road and continue along that right-of-way to Buckner Boulevard.

DART planners estimate the $450 million light rail line will carry 19,500 riders a day. The alignment maximizes access and economic development potential to communities in south Dallas and the Fair Park area. The selection of an alignment completes almost two years of studies, extensive community hearings and work group meetings aimed at choosing a Locally Preferred Investment Strategy (LPIS) for the Southeast Corridor.

Persons needing more information about the March meetings or the status of the Southeast Corridor project can call 214-749-2598.

Southeast Corridor Community Meetings:

Wednesday, March 22, 2000
6:30 p.m.
Pleasant Grove Public Library
1125 Buckner Blvd. (Mapsco 58L)

Wednesday, March 29, 2000
6:30 p.m.
William Anderson Elementary School
620 N. St. Augustine Rd. (Mapsco 59P)

-- 30 --