Julia Burgen Park Trail ConnectionI

JULIA BURGEN PARK TRAIL CONNECTION

Arlington residents will soon be able to walk throught Julia Burgen Park with this trail connection project.

The scope of work includes extending the existing trail network within Julia Burgen Park to enable linking surrounding residential neighborhoods and University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) campus to the park. Julia Burgen Park is located in central Arlington bordered by Collins Street and Park Row. The park encompasses approximately 67 acres of the Johnson Creek floodplain and is dissected by Center and Mesquite Streets. The project includes connecting the existing trail sections, such as the trail located under the S. Center St./ Mesquite St. bridges, tying into the existing trail network at the park and providing a vital east to west connection. The project is jointly funded through Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant and City of Arlington funds for design, engineering, environmental clearance (permit) studies and construction of the project.

Julia Burgen Park Trail Connection was awarded funding through The Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TA Set-Aside) Program in response to APRD’s application submitted in February 2017. In order to receive this federal funding, the City executed a Local Project Advanced Funding Agreement (LPAFA) with the Texas Deptartment of Transportation (TxDOT).

During the initial design process of the project, followed by several weeks of research for possible alternatives, it was discovered that a change to the proposed trail alignment would be unavoidable. Several unanticipated factors that would cause negative impacts to the natural areas of the park, necessitated a change to the trail alignment. The City conducted a public meeting to incorporate feedback from residents. A new trail alignment was developed that would allow connecting UTA campus areas and residential areas with the linear park system. After completion, it is anticipated, that this project will enhance the linear park network and offer residents an off-street hike-bike path connection.

The design and environmental permitting process started in fall 2019. The anticipated construction is summer 2023.

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For more information about this project, please contact Mitali Mandlekar, Parks Project Manager II, at Mitali.Mandlekar@ArlingtonTX.gov