Council Receives Cotton Belt Trail Update

Published on July 28, 2025

At the July 22 meeting, Council received a presentation from Deputy Director Ashley Shroyer highlighting progress on the Cotton Belt Trail. The presentation detailed the project’s history; the Addison City Council, North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG), and Regional Transportation Council (RTC) action dates; and specifics on the trail’s alignment, crossings, and funding.

This 57-mile trail is designed as a regional expressway for active transportation, serving cyclists, pedestrians, and other nonmotorized users. It is a partnership between NCTCOG, the RTC, DART, Dallas County, and local municipalities.

There are three major segments in Addison:

Midway Road Bridge

While designated as Phase One, this will be the second segment constructed. It is funded through a $12.2 million grant from NCTCOG's Regional Transportation Alternatives program with no local match required. Design on this section, which will be built between Wheeler Bridge and the new Silver Line crossing, has been completed.

Surveyor Boulevard to Dallas North Tollway

The segment from Midway Bridge to the Dallas North Tollway has been awarded $7.1 million through TxDOT's Transportation Alternatives Funding Program and requires a $307,469 local match. Dallas County is also contributing over $700,000 to this section. The trail will be 12 feet wide in most places, but 14 feet wide between Addison Road and Quorum Drive. This will be the first phase completed, and construction recently got underway near the Silver Line station.

Midway Bridge to Marsh Lane

The segment from Midway Bridge to Marsh Lane is currently unfunded, though a funding request has been submitted to the TxDOT Transportation Alternatives program. Design and construction documents have been completed.

Funding for trail amenities is still to be determined.