October 2025
Archer Western Herzog delivers DART Silver Line
(Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas) – Archer Western Herzog (AWH), a design-build joint venture between Archer Western Construction and Herzog Contracting Corp., proudly celebrates the grand opening of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Silver Line, a transformative 26-mile regional rail corridor connecting seven North Texas cities from Plano to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). As the lead design-build contractor, AWH successfully managed the Silver Line from concept and design through final construction and commissioning, delivering one of the most defining rail infrastructure projects in DART’s history
Connecting Communities Across North Texas
The Silver Line extends approximately 26 miles along the former Cotton Belt Rail Corridor, linking Plano, Richardson, Dallas, Addison, Carrollton, Coppell, and Grapevine. The new line connects with DFW Airport’s Terminal B, providing seamless transfers to TEXRail, while also integrating with DART’s Red, Orange, and Green Lines for improved mobility throughout the Metroplex.
The project introduces 10 new stations, a series of modern pedestrian bridges, and the Cotton Belt Regional Trail, enhancing multimodal travel and accessibility for residents, students, and commuters across Collin, Dallas, and Tarrant Counties.
Design-Build Project Delivery
As lead design-build contractor, Archer Western Herzog was responsible for the full design and construction of the Silver Line corridor, encompassing track systems, stations, bridges, grade crossings, retaining walls, sound walls, utilities, and supporting infrastructure.
Working in close collaboration with DART, local municipalities, and multiple stakeholders, the AWH team successfully delivered:
• Over 53 miles of new track, including mainline and siding track.
• 40 major structures, featuring bridge spans, aerial guideways, and prefabricated pedestrian crossings.
• Quiet zones and sound-mitigation systems to reduce noise impacts in adjacent neighborhoods.
• New grade separations and roadway improvements to enhance safety and traffic flow.
Engineering Milestones and Community Collaboration
Throughout construction, AWH worked hand-in-hand with DART, city officials and residents to minimize disruption while maintaining a strong focus on safety and communication.
• Quiet-zone implementation provided enhanced community livability along the corridor.
• Pedestrian and bicycle connectivity was expanded through the integrated Cotton Belt Trail system.
• Stakeholder coordination ensured each community’s unique character and needs were reflected in station design, landscaping, and architectural details.
The project represents more than just rail infrastructure, it’s a long-term investment in sustainable mobility, regional accessibility, and community connection.
Long-Term Benefits for North Texas
The Silver Line provides tangible, lasting value for the region:
• Expanded regional mobility: Linking seven cities with DFW Airport and major employment centers.
• Economic growth: Stimulating transit-oriented development, business attraction, and housing opportunities near stations.
• Sustainability: Reducing emissions and roadway congestion with Tier 4 clean-diesel rail technology.
• Enhanced quality of life: Providing safe, reliable alternatives to automobile travel while promoting pedestrian and cycling options.
• Regional connectivity: Creating a seamless transit network across three counties and four major rail systems.
The AWH partnership delivered DART Silver Line with a combination of deep technical expertise, innovative solutions, and a commitment to safety, quality, and community collaboration. Additionally, in recognition of its complexity and regional impact, DART Silver Line was recognized with an ENR Texas & Southeast Award of Merit – Airport/Transit Project (2025), highlighting the project’s innovation and engineering excellence.