Project Background

DCTA is constructing a regional passenger rail line to serve Denton County residents and visitors. The rail route, which was approved by the DCTA Board of Directors in May 2005, after extensive study and public input, generally follows along the east side of I-35E. The rail line is approximately 21 miles long from Denton to Carrollton. Five stations will be built in Denton County to serve passengers. The completion of the rail line will occur simultaneously with Dallas Area Rapid Transit's completion of its Green Line to Carrollton. This will allow passengers on the A-train to transfer to light rail, at a transfer station located at Trinity Mills Road in Carrollton, to travel to downtown Dallas and other transit points in the North Texas region.

A study called an Alternatives Analysis (AA) was conducted in 2004 and 2005 and confirmed rail as a viable option for improving mobility in the county. The AA initiated a public involvement process and relied on community input to identify a preferred route location for the rail line, commonly called the Locally Preferred Alternative (LPA), which was approved by the DCTA Board of Directors in May 2005. The preferred path or route for the LPA roughly follows along the eastern side of I-35E.

A draft environmental analysis document was completed in Fall 2007, and a Final Environmental Impact Determination (FEID) document was approved by the DCTA Board of Directors in April 2008. This document provides a report of existing natural, cultural and social conditions, potential project impacts, and proposed measures to avoid, minimize or mitigate the potential impacts.

DCTA finalized the design of the 21-mile corridor, its five rail stations and rail operations and maintenance facility in early January 2009.