October 2016
Dallas Area Rapid Transit Celebrates Blue Line Extension
Dallas, TX – Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) held an inaugural ribbon cutting ceremony for its new 2.6-mile Blue Line extension connecting the Ledbetter Station to the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNTD) campus in southern Dallas. The double-tracked light rail project was built by the South Oak Cliff Alliance (SOCA), a joint venture between Archer Western, Phillips May Corporation and Robinson Industries.
This extension provides commuting students with a much-needed route for access to education, and is expected to enable more students to explore the academic options at UNTD. Officials also anticipate the improved transportation will lead to further development and economic growth in the southern Dallas area.
"Residents along this section of the line have improved access to the region. The new rail connection and enhanced crosstown bus service make this area more attractive to potential developers and residents," DART President/Executive Director Gary Thomas said.
SOCA reconfigured an existing station and constructed two new stations. The project was delivered two months ahead of schedule as new construction work also included five new concrete bridges, two new station platforms, grade crossings, overhead contact wire system, rail signal systems, utilities and landscaping.
“We value our relationship with DART and are proud of our role in enhancing Dallas transit. Our team excelled in delivering the Blue Line extension in a timely fashion, and we look forward to it serving as a catalyst for growth in southern Dallas,” said Gary Geppert, Business Group Leader with Archer Western.
Click here to read more about the DART Blue Line expansion.