DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) has been named ENR Texas & Louisiana’s 2013 Owner of the Year. We’ll feature an in-depth article in the April 22 print issue.
Every year, the ENR regional sections select an owner to spotlight based on several criteria: the number and size of current projects under way and in development; sustainability goals; diversity; innovation; and reputation in the industry.
Past winners include the Army Corp of Engineers in 2011 and DFW International Airport in 2012.
DART owns and operates the largest light rail system in the United States, and has been busy building new rail lines across Dallas since 1996.
One of the most recent and largest chunks is the Orange Line expansion, is a $149 million project that will lead to the growth of DART's rail network to 90 miles by 2014. The Orange Line will run parallel with the Green Line through Downtown Dallas to Bachman Station in Northwest Dallas. From Bachman Station, the Orange Line heads northwest to the Las Colinas Urban Center in 2012 and to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.
When the Orange Line is complete in December 2014, DFW International will be one of the few American airports to have direct rail connections right into the terminals.
Last year, DART opened three new line sections, a total of about 13 miles in new light rail track – all delivered on time and under budget.
Much of this expansion work is part of DART's 2030 Plan, a blueprint for the next generation of bus, rail and high occupancy vehicle services in North Texas. The plan covers projects to be undertaken by the transit agency through 2030 in the 13-city DART Service Area. This includes approximately 43 miles of additional rail service across the region.
On top of all the expansion, DART is also focused on staying green, requiring that a significant portion of the electricity generated for the light rail come from renewable sources such as wind.
Be sure to read more about DART in the April 22 issue of ENR Texas & Louisiana!
