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.