University Park council hears detailed timeline, funding breakdown for Lovers Lane 'Miracle Mile' reconstruction

City staff told the University Park City Council on Jan. 7 that the long‑planned Lovers Lane “Miracle Mile” reconstruction is ready to move into bidding and construction phases, with county and transit grant funding already committed and a preferred start in spring 2025.

Katie Baron, the city’s director of engineering, told the council the project—approved in 2019—has moved through design and review and will be advertised for construction bids in February, with a recommended contract award in mid‑March and a preferred construction start of about April 1. “We are intending to advertise this project for, for construction in February, a bid award in March, public meetings in April, and construction to begin, shortly after that, or roughly about the same time,” Baron said.

The nut graf: The project rebuilds a stretch of Lovers Lane from the Dallas North Tollway to Douglas Street, reconfiguring intersections, adding pedestrian crossings with rapid‑flashing beacons where required, relocating a water line and improving traffic flow. Dallas County and Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) have committed major reimbursements, and the city plans a phased approach to keep one side open and preserve parking for businesses.

Baron summarized design changes made since the council approved Option C in 2019. Changes include shifting a pedestrian crossing to Loma Alto with a proposed rapid‑flashing beacon similar to the one at University…