A vital artery in North Dallas, Hillcrest Road, is set to reopen this week following a year-long closure for the construction of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line regional rail project. The reopening marks a significant milestone in the ongoing development of transportation infrastructure in the region.

Revitalizing North Dallas: A New Era Begins with Hillcrest Road's Reopening

Hillcrest Road has been closed since January 25, 2024, as part of the ambitious DART Silver Line project. This critical stretch, spanning one-fifth of a mile between McCallum Boulevard and Wester Way, was essential for creating a new section of roadway under the rail guideway. Now, after 52 weeks of intensive work, the road is ready to welcome traffic once again.

Progress and Planning: A Year of Transformative Work

The DART Silver Line project has made remarkable strides over the past year. According to DART President and CEO Nadine Lee, the reopening of Hillcrest Road comes ahead of schedule. Initially slated for January 25, the road will open on January 23, initially with one lane in each direction before expanding to multiple lanes.The construction involved excavating through nearly 18 feet of rock and dirt to build the new portion of Hillcrest Road, which will allow drivers to pass beneath a Silver Line rail bridge. Additionally, a pump station was installed to manage excess water during heavy rains, ensuring the road remains safe and functional even in adverse weather conditions.

Enhancing Safety and Accessibility

Pedestrian safety has not been overlooked. A designated temporary walkway on the east side of the roadway barrier wall provides access for walkers, runners, and cyclists. By February, a fully constructed sidewalk will be available, enhancing accessibility and convenience for all users. The speed limit will be set at 25 mph to ensure safety as drivers adjust to the new route configuration.

The Silver Line: Connecting Communities Across North Texas

The DART Silver Line is an expansive 26-mile commuter rail that traverses seven cities, including Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson, and Plano. It aims to connect riders from East Plano to DFW Airport’s Terminal B, significantly improving transit options for residents and visitors alike. As of now, the Silver Line is approximately 85% complete. DART officials are enthusiastic about the progress and anticipate announcing an opening day in spring, likely in March or April. Full service operation is expected to commence by the end of 2026, running from Shiloh Road in Plano to DFW Airport.

Testing and Preparation: Ensuring Smooth Operations

Ahead of the official launch, DART has initiated segmented testing within the western corridor of the Silver Line project. Testing began on January 22 and will continue through January 23, focusing on the segment between DFW Airport and Carrollton. Trains will operate between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., allowing engineers to evaluate track, signals, operating systems, and rail crossings.DART Vice President of Capital Design and Construction Trey Walker expressed excitement about these test runs, noting that they provide valuable insights into the system’s performance. Lessons learned from earlier tests between Plano and Richardson are being applied to refine operations. Beginning January 26, simulated test runs will operate between DFW Airport’s Terminal B and the Cypress Waters Station from midnight to 4 a.m. Additional tests reaching I-35 in Carrollton are anticipated between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. until mid-February.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for North Texas Transportation

The reopening of Hillcrest Road symbolizes a pivotal moment in the transformation of North Dallas’s transportation landscape. As the DART Silver Line project advances toward completion, it promises to enhance connectivity, reduce travel times, and improve overall quality of life for residents across North Texas. With each step forward, the vision of a more integrated and efficient transit system becomes increasingly tangible.