The “three bridges” construction project on Dallas’ Northwest Highway: a TX DOT update

by John P. Meyer

After gleaning as much information as I could from actually being at the site and hearing from some of the principals involved in the project, I decided to mosey over to the Texas Department of Transportation's Dallas District HQ and speak in person with Information Office Supervisor Cynthia Northrop White, just to get a feel for how things were (officially) going.

The first thing I saw upon entering the quiet lobby was a familiar-looking graphic behind the reception desk that touted something called Project Pegasus.

"Hm," thought I. "Pegasus, eh? Where have I heard that name before... ?"

As Cynthia helpfully explained after retrieving me from reception and leading me down a labyrinthine, cubicle-lined passageway to her office, Project Pegasus ("transforming our downtown freeways") is the designation given to a forthcoming redesign and construction initiative impacting IH 30 from Sylvan Ave. to IH 45, and IH 35E from Eighth St. to Empire Central Dr. (north of SH183). Construction is slated to begin sometime in 2010, as things currently stand.

(In any case, Great logo!)

Turns out there wasn't a lot of new information to be gleaned regarding the Northwest Highway construction project since my original story, but I did get a look at some pretty cool renderings while gazing over Cynthia's shoulder, camera in hand. (I felt kind of like a secret agent in a Cold War spy novel, only my camera was far from Minox minuscule.)

In the first segment of my very informal and low-key talk with Cynthia, you will actually hear the sound of pages turning as she discusses the functionality and aesthetics of the bridge designs while showing me the plans.

In part two, we learn that the project is a couple of months behind due to the unforeseen issue with the buried utility pipes (waste water); a revision to the original contract called for an extra 90 days to deal with that situation. We confirm that the actual construction part of the project will start this fall after the utility work is completed, and will take roughly two-and-a-half years. Cynthia points out that there's been a lot of public involvement, as well as participation by both the city and county.

In the third part of our interview, Cynthia provides a brief summing up of the project history thusfar, and opines that it demonstrates the kinds of positive things that can happen when a diversity of interest groups become actively involved.