DALLAS – Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex drivers have access to a major new east-west thoroughfare that connects MacArthur Blvd. with Belt Line Road, significantly enhancing regional mobility.
Constructed as a collaborative effort among Dallas County, the City of Grand Prairie and the City of Irving, the $25 million dollar roadway facility runs from Belt Line Road to Story Road in Grand Prairie and from Story Road to MacArthur Boulevard in Irving.
Dallas County led the project, which turned a two-lane asphalt road with sharp turns and a flooding problem into a four-lane divided concrete roadway. The complex initiative required a land swap as well as a change to Irving and Grand Prairie city limits.
“This project is long overdue and I am so proud that we could finally make it happen. Projects like this can’t happen without the trust, commitment and shared vision that create a strong partnership,” said Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia. “The City of Grand Prairie and City of Irving share Dallas County’s vision of improved mobility for our residents and I deeply appreciate their partnership on this and so many other projects that will make a difference in our community.”
The Hunter Ferrell roadway project also includes a new 1,000-foot bridge over Bear Creek with a sidewalk and a hike and bike trail that connects to the Grand Prairie and Irving trail systems.
“This was a fantastic effort that leveraged partner dollars to build a much-needed thoroughfare, said Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne. “Regional mobility will be faster, safer and the road will allow for future development and other improvements in far South Irving, which is a beautiful area of our city with tremendous potential.”
The massive project also included a monument marking the new common city limit of Irving and Grand Prairie as well as integrated streetscape enhancements and landscaping.
“The more than 1.5 million visitors to our entertainment district will greatly appreciate the easier access provided by the new Hunter Ferrell Road,” said Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen. “We appreciate Dallas County’s and Irving’s partnership to make this happen.”
The North Central Texas Council of Governments Regional Transportation Council (RTC) was instrumental in moving this project forward and providing financial assistance.
“This project highlights the innovative funding approaches the region employs, the strategic partnerships between city and county governments and transportation providers necessary to advance them, and the focus on timely implementation of improvements to the system,” said Michael Morris, transportation director, North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG).
The ribbon cutting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Nov. 8 at 2400 W. Hunter Ferrell Road, Grand Prairie, TX.
Speakers include Dallas County Commissioner Elba Garcia; State Rep. Linda Harper-Brown, District 105; Irving Mayor Beth Van Duyne; Irving Councilmen Brad LaMorgese and Joe Putnam; and Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen.
