The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is gathering input on a short span of interstate that connects Interstate 45 and U.S. Highway 75 separating Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas, looking for view on whether it should be repaired or eliminated.
No signage marks the elevated 1.4-mile I-345 that connects I-45 and U.S.75, yet 180,000 cars and trucks traverse it per day. According to the TxDOT, I-345 is in bad shape and needs to be replaced, but some Dallas groups have other ideas.
The Coalition for a New Dallas wants the highway replaced with city streets, thereby opening up 245 acres for use by the city. The group says that the extra space, which is now “largely defined by empty parking lots,” could be opened up for mixed-use development and make it easier for pedestrians to travel between Deep Ellum and Downtown Dallas.
Transportation leaders, however, have countered that economic growth would be hampered by removing the highway as it would force cars and freight traffic onto the city’s streets. Those on both sides of issues affecting the public often turn to flyer printing services to distribute information making their case.
As I-345 is a federally designated interstate, approval from both the federal and state governments would be required for its removal.
Stakeholders can leave comments and questions any time from now until April 5, when a “virtual open house” will be held at 5:30 pm.
Location
325 N Saint Paul St
Suite 108
Dallas, TX 75201
Get Directions →
Phone
Hours
Mon: 9:00 - 5:00
Tue: 9:00 - 5:00
Wed: 9:00 - 5:00
Thu: 9:00 - 5:00
Fri: 9:00 - 5:00
Sat: Closed
Sun: Closed