Cities Break Ground On MacArthur Boulevard Widening, Improvements
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GRAND PRAIRIE (CBSDFW.COM) – Leaders from the City of Grand Prairie, City of Irving, and Dallas County broke ground on a $20 million MacArthur Boulevard widening and reconstruction improvement project Thursday.
The renovation will widen MacArthur from a 2-lane asphalt roadway to a 4-lane divided concrete thoroughfare from Interstate 30 to north of the Trinity River, according to a City of Grand Prairie news release.
Project components include the construction of two 700-foot bridges and a drainage overflow channel that will prevent the road from flooding during heavy rains, enhanced storm drainage, retaining walls, railings, street lighting and two new traffic signals.
"The City of Grand Prairie appreciates the cooperation of the City of Irving, Dallas County and North Central Texas Council of Governments on this project," said Ron Jensen, City of Grand Prairie Mayor. "This portion of MacArthur is the back road to our entertainment district—Verizon Theater, Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie and AirHogs Ballpark. It's important for us to keep it a safe and accessible roadway for visitors, our city landfill operations and the Forterra Pipe Manufacturing plant."
Funding for the project was made possible by $12 million in Regional Toll Revenue from the North Central Texas Council of Governments, $5.2 million from the City of Grand Prairie, $1.5 million from Dallas County and $1.5 million in TIF funds. Construction will be in three phases beginning with the first 700-foot bridge over the future north bound lanes over the Trinity River. Completion is scheduled for July 2018.
Businesses on MacArthur include Forterra Pipe & Precast (formerly Hanson Pipe) and the City of Grand Prairie Landfill.
The improved roadway will complete the four lane connection to MacArthur south of Hunter Ferrell Road, and link it with I-30.
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