Downtown Dallas begins converting one-way streets to go both ways

Finally!

DALLAS — Tomorrow, the two-waying of some of downtown Dallas’ one-way streets begins … finally.

In March 2005, the Dallas City Council first glanced at the CBD Comprehensive Transportation Plan that suggested making one-way streets go both ways. Five years later came the road map for conversion; more recently, promises and more promises. On Wednesday it becomes a reality when Federal Street from Akard to Ervay goes two ways.

The date comes from Frank Librio, spokesman for Dallas City Hall. But as friend of the show, Noah Jeppson noted via Instagram a few days ago that Federal’s already had its makeover in preparation for Wednesday’s big event.

But that’s only the beginning, as lights and lanes shift around downtown through year’s end. We asked Librio for a full timetable at the end of last week; below is the latest fingers-crossed look at what will go two ways and when.

Schedule:

October 2012, March 2013 -- what's a few months between friends?

Federal Street from Akard to Ervay Wed March 13, 2013 convert to two-way operation
Patterson Street from Field to Akard (May 2013)
Akard Street from Commerce to DART rail (pending review of DART)
Field Street from Pacific to Wood (July 2013)
Houston Street from Elm to Young (December 2013) will sequence construction considering the Dealey Plaza 2013 activities & construction of the Houston Street Streetcar

The latter, of course, began yesterday and is expected to run through the fall of ’14.