Deputy City Manager Ashley Shroyer briefed the council on the Cotton Belt Trail on July 22, summarizing the multi-agency planning, funding awards and construction schedule for the segment that runs through Addison.
The project overview: The regional trail has been in local planning since the 1990s; the current work involves three phases through Addison. Shroyer said design and construction documents are complete for all phases. Phase 2 (Surveyor to the NTTA corridor) is funded and under construction. Phase 1—the elevated pedestrian bridge at Midway Road—has federal funding in place and is scheduled to begin construction in January 2026. Phase 3 (Marsh to Surveyor) has design complete but awaits confirmed construction funding; grant applications are in process.
Cost and design notes: Shroyer cautioned that “changes to design and construction would have substantial costs associated with it.” She said DART, which manages construction of the trail segments on its corridor, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) are coordinating funding and indicated that any overruns for the work funded through grants would not be charged back to the town.
Key local issues: Councilmembers asked about alignment choices near McIntyre Place, tree protection, and whether certain existing winding sidewalks would be removed and replaced to meet the federally required trail width. Parks staff said they had pushed designers to avoid root zones and preserve mature trees where feasible. Council members requested more detailed engineering drawings for specific areas so the town could review pedestrian connections, crosswalks and landscape impacts.
Next steps: Staff will continue to coordinate with DART, NCTCOG and contractors; preserve trees where practicable; and return to council with more detailed drawings and cost implications if the council wishes to pursue design changes that go beyond the current funded scope.