About the Trinity Project
The Trinity River Project is one of the most monumental public works and economic development projects every attempted. As flood protection, recreation, environmental restoration, economic development, and major transportation projects converge along the Trinity River, residents and visitors from around the world will have a new and exciting image of the City of Dallas.
Our city’s new image will be defined by the wildlife, trails, parks, lakes, the Great Trinity Forest, a world-class equestrian park, the Trinity River Audubon Center, and “signature” bridges, gateway parks, and special water features. These amenities will continue to stimulate new urban development such as . . . stunning waterfront condominiums, beautiful townhouses, office towers, unique residential enclaves, and a variety of sidewalk cafes and shops.
Improving traffic flow with the Trinity Parkway
The Trinity Parkway, from the Highway 183/I-35 merge to Highway 175 and I-45, will relieve downtown traffic congestion.
Trinity Parkway Conceptual Drawing
Future Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge - Elevating the spirit with the Calatrava Bridges
At the heart of the Trinity River Corridor: signature bridges designed by internationally acclaimed architect, sculptor, engineer, and champion of the human spirit, Santiago Calatrava. These bridges will reconnect north and south Dallas by linking the Trinity’s banks, promoting favorable land uses and spurring neighborhood revitalization. Ultimately, they will become the landmarks of 21st-century Dallas.
Model of the Calatrava Bridge
These projects will serve as catalysts for new development, which will transform the corridor and the quality of life of its residents.
Following a course to a cleaner environment - Protecting people and wildlife
Wetland “Cell D”
The Dallas Floodway Extension will provide important floodway improvements, environmental restoration and recreation to the Trinity River Corridor. This project will reduce the flooding risk for about 12,500 structures in downtown Dallas and the densely populated areas along the southern corridor.
Wetlands construction for the Dallas Floodway Extension will also improve floodwater conveyance and benefit wildlife. When completed, seven wetland cells will make up the 170-acre Chain of Wetlands extending four miles from Cedar Creek to Loop 12. Various plant species will be introduced to provide habitat for waterfowl, fish and other wildlife.
The Dallas Floodway Extension is being constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It will be comprised of the Cadillac Heights Levee, the Lamar Levee, a Chain of Wetlands, and river realignment at I-45.
Photo Courtesy of Christina Bowman
Expansion and preservation of the 6,000 acre Great Trinity Forest is now underway along the river. This long-overlooked environmental asset is owned by the City of Dallas and it is beginning to flourish with the vibrant color of wildflower fields, the grandeur of century-old “trophy trees,” the whisper of windswept prairie grass, and the rush of migratory water fowl overhead.
Photo Courtesy of Gina Costlow
Nature and wildlife thrive amidst the pastoral peace of the Great Trinity Forest, one of the largest urban forests in the country; and can be accessed via several trails. For example, trails are located at Rochester Park and the Texas Buckeye Trail.
Photo Courtesy of David Mimlitch
Economic development and neighborhood revitalization is expected to take place all around the Trinity River Corridor. A comprehensive land use plan, adopted by the City in 2005, is guiding development and investment decisions in neighborhoods and business districts. Housing, high rise condos, office towers, mixed use projects, DART stops, lakeside indoor/outdoor cafes, bike and kayak rental shops, galleries and bookstores will share the corridor.