Debate Over Where Second Downtown DART Route Should Run
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DALLAS (CBSDFW) - While there's little debate over whether a second downtown DART light-rail route is needed, DART and some city officials are at odds over where it should run.
The city's transportation committee recommended a single route option whose eastern portion runs along Jackson Street.
This would avoid any potential of the route cutting through the middle of the First Presbyterian Church of Dallas' campus on Young Street.
Pastor Joe Clifford applauded the committee's recommendation.
"First Presbyterian Church is a vital part of the vibrant downtown community, and we believe the Jackson Street alignment is a great solution for the city and the church," he said.
DART along with city staff, however; want to leave open the option to run the route farther along Young Street.
With only two-percent of the project design complete, DART spokesman Morgan Lyons said flexibility is key.
"We are just looking for as much flexibility as possible so we can get to work and understand what goes on beyond a two-percent design," explained Lyons.
The deadline to apply for federal funding for the project is the end of September.
If financed, a second downtown light-rail track could be complete by 2021.
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