In 1996, Irving opened its first paved pathway in a lush, tree-lined region of the city. The pathway served as the initial stepping stones of Campion Trail — a 22-mile, master-planned greenbelt along the Elm and West Forks of the Trinity River.
As the city has evolved, so too has the trail system. Today, only four major projects remain: MacArthur Boulevard Trail and the three-phase Campion Trail Unification project. With 15 miles now complete, the city anticipates crossing the finish line in 2025.
Irving has one of the largest and most robust trail systems in North Texas. Once finished, Campion Trail will connect to Coppell, Dallas, Farmers Branch and Grand Prairie. Much of the funding for the $31.7 million project comes from Dallas County. The Irving trail system has become a major asset to the Fort Worth to Dallas Regional Trail system — an extensive project linking both North Texas cities. Two of Irving’s trail projects are included as part of the east-to-west connector: Rock Island Road Trail and the Delaware Creek Trail.
“Dallas County has become a strong partner with the City of Irving through the trail’s development,” said Irving Mayor Rick Stopfer. “This project is a major investment to the community, as it provides a safe and accessible means of recreation for our residents, and highlights the natural beauty and charm of the North Texas region. We are proud of Campion Trail and grateful to the county for aiding in this extraordinary amenity.”
As the City of Irving prepares for the final chapter of Campion’s construction, the last components will help connect the trail within city limits, as well as to neighboring communities. Additionally, the city will work to complete its segments of the regional trail system.
Campion Trail MacArthur Extension
In October, the city held a dedication ceremony for this segment of the trail, which was funded through a $2.5 million grant from the Dallas County Trail and Preserve Program. The project included 2.75 miles of trail, as well as the construction of a 300-foot pedestrian bridge that ties into Coppell’s trail system.
Rock Island Road Bike and Pedestrian Facility
In February, Irving approved a 2.4-mile Rock Island Road bike and pedestrian trail between the West Irving DART station and Irby Lane. Construction on the $3.65 million project began in June and completion is expected in the spring of 2020. The project includes a 10-foot-wide trail that will accommodate bicycle and foot traffic, provide a major east-west pedestrian route, and offer safe and reliable access to light rail service. The North Central Texas Council of Governments was instrumental in securing funding through the Federal Highway Administration, Texas Department of Transportation and the City of Irving.
Delaware Creek Trail
Anticipated for 2020, the Delaware Creek Trail project will connect Senter Park and Mountain Creek Preserve. The project includes 2 miles of trail, a pedestrian bridge, retaining walls, benches and trash receptacles. Once complete, the trail also will tie into Centennial Park in Irving’s Heritage District, along Delaware Creek. The Federal Highway Administration, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and Dallas County will help fund the project.
Campion Trail Unification Project
The unification project, which is the final piece of the Campion project, will be constructed in three phases. The 5.5-mile project will connect the northern segment of the trail in Las Colinas to the southern portion at Trinity View Park. The unification project will eventually allow residents and visitors to travel to Coppell, Grand Prairie, Farmers Branch and Dallas — all from Irving’s trail system. The project also will include pedestrian bridges across the Trinity River. The first phase is expected to begin in the fall of 2020 and be completed in 2021.
Dallas County will help fund half of the $12 million unification project.
Safety Above All
While the city continues to develop the trails, safety remains a top priority. All of the trail’s 15 miles are now marked with location signs and GPS indicators. The mile markers help visitors track their activity, as well as assist emergency services in pinpointing the exact location of a person in need.
Funding the Trails:
- Campion Trail construction and development is expected to run roughly 30 years.
- Throughout the lifetime of the project, it has received funding from the City of Irving, Dallas County, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Federal Highway Administration and TxDOT for various areas of the project.
- Almost two-thirds of trail funding has come from outside funding sources.
- Once the project is complete, Dallas County alone will have invested nearly $15 million in Irving’s trail system.
- In 1996, construction cost was $250,000 per mile. Today, construction is $1 million per mile.
- Irving is one of five cities participating in the Fort Worth to Dallas Regional Trail. The initiative, led by the North Central Texas Council of Governments, includes Forth Worth, Arlington, Grand Prairie, Irving and Dallas. Upon completion, the trail will connect the area’s two major cities through 64 miles of paved pathways.
For more information on the city’s trail system, visit CityofIrving.org/1127/Trails.
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