Center Street

Project typeNew Construction
Project scheduleConstruction was scheduled to begin in January 2025.
Contractor nameTiseo Paving Company
Completion DateOctober 31, 2025

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (Center Street) Project will connect Bardin Road to Green Oaks Boulevard with a new 4-lane concrete roadway. The project will also add a connection to Embercrest Drive. The project will include water and sanitary renewals, drainage improvements, hike and bike trails, sidewalks, pavement markings and signage, streetlights, fiber communications, traffic signal improvements, and landscaping and irrigation. The project is a part of the City of Arlington’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Initiative. Improvements to north and south vehicular movements and congestion relief on Collins Street and Matlock Road are two benefits of this project.

Project Updates

A public meeting to discuss the construction project was held on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the Arlington Public Library – Southeast Branch, located at 900 SE Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, TX 76018. The meeting included a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session.

View the Meeting Presentation(PDF, 1MB)

Frequently Asked Questions

What improvements are planned?

Construction of a new 4-lane concrete roadway connecting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive (formerly known as Center Street) from Bardin Road to Engleside Drive, with pavement markings extending to Green Oaks Boulevard.
Connection to Embercrest Drive
Adjustments to existing sanitary sewer and water lines, along with waterline extensions
Construction of a new storm drainage system
Installation of new traffic signals at East Bardin Road and East Embercrest Drive
Installation of streetlights along the corridor
Landscaping and irrigation enhancements
Shared-use trail, sidewalk, and ADA-compliant ramps
New pavement markings and street signs

Why is this project being done?

This project is driven by several key factors:

Increasing Capacity: A primary objective is to enhance capacity by constructing a new roadway to accommodate growing traffic demand.
Improving Regional Mobility: With Collins Street and Matlock Road already serving as heavily traveled north-south corridors, the new Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive connection will help alleviate congestion in these areas.
Supporting the City’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Initiative: This project is part of the City of Arlington’s broader efforts to improve traffic flow and air quality.
Voter Approval and Funding: Approved by Arlington voters as part of the 2014 Bond Election and recommended by the Citizens Bond Committee, this project is also funded through the City of Arlington, the Tarrant County Commissioners Court through the 2021 Transportation Bond Program, and the North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) through the Surface Transportation Block Grant.
Aligning with City Priorities: The project directly supports the City Council’s priorities to enhance regional mobility and champion great neighborhoods.

The Thoroughfare Development Plan (TDP) is a long-term strategy identifying the location and type of roadway facilities necessary to accommodate the City’s projected growth. It preserves future transportation corridors and forms the foundation for Arlington’s roadway capital improvement program, impact fees, and developer requirements. The TDP includes detailed information on roadway classifications, right-of-way needs, design standards, and lane requirements.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive is classified as a major arterial and collector in the TDP, and this project aligns with the City’s long-term vision for transportation development.