Dallas Council Supports TxDOT’s I-345 Hybrid Trench And Directs City Manager to Study Alternatives

The Dallas City Council unanimously agreed Wednesday to support the Texas Department of Transportation’s $1 billion refined hybrid trench option for reconstructing Interstate 345 with several caveats, including a mandate that alternatives be explored. 

TxDOT has refused to consider an alternative to the refined hybrid trench, and the state highway department holds the purse strings for the massive project that will take about a decade to complete. 

An independent study, which still could be conducted while TxDOT begins the hybrid trench design phase, could cost Dallas up to $2 million. If the council changes its mind and no longer wishes to pursue the hybrid trench after TxDOT has already spent money, state officials said Wednesday they would expect the city to reimburse them up to $20 million. Those who want to explore other options, however, have said this is one of the most important transportation projects of the current generation, and it’s worth the delay and expense to explore alternatives.

Motion to Approve I-345 Refined Hybrid Trench Option With Conditions

Here’s what was actually approved Wednesday, as presented by Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Omar Narvaez, in its entirety: 

I move to approve this item as recommended by the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee by:

Adding a section stating that the City of Dallas’ approval is conditioned on the development of the Texas Department of Transportation’s design phase for the “Refined Hybrid Option” integrating relevant city design elements, plans, and policies, including but not limited to: 

• The Comprehensive Environmental and Climate Action Plan
• The Racial Equity Plan
• The Economic Development Policy
• The Street Design Manual

Adding a section stating that the city’s approval is conditioned on TxDOT briefing an appropriate city council committee at least once every six months (*originally proposed as 12 months and later changed) throughout the “Refined Hybrid Option” design phase. 

Adding a section stating that the city’s approval is conditioned on TxDOT incorporating structural engineering for capping and decking into the design phase of the “Refined Hybrid Option” project.

Adding a section stating that the city’s approval is conditioned on TxDOT studying possible truck re-routing from IH-345 in connection with the “Refined Hybrid Option” project.

And adding a section stating that the City Manager is directed to investigate the availability of, and the city’s eligibility for, alternate sources of funding, including but not limited to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, for: 

• Studies regarding alternative design options, including other hybrid options and new options for the future of IH-345
• The city pursuing an alternative design option

Pursuant to the result of the studies and based on the availability of alternative sources of funding, the city reserves the right to fully or partially withdraw its support of the “Refined Hybrid Option” recommended by TxDOT for the future redevelopment of IH-345. 

Motion From Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Omar Narvaez

What’s Next For Interstate 345

Thirteen speakers addressed the Dallas City Council on Wednesday, all of whom either opposed TxDOT’s hybrid option or supported an independent study. 

Narvaez explained that his motion allows the city to go into the design phase with TxDOT but discussions about things like sidewalks and bike lanes are forthcoming.

“I feel like this council has heard the residents loud and clear, and I hope that you all heard that a lot of what you asked for is in this motion,” he said. “We were able to come up with what I believe were some solid compromises. We as a council have passed a lot of impactful policy over the last two to four years. I appreciate that TxDOT has agreed to integrate relevant city design elements, policies, and plans. They did not have to do this.” 

While TxDOT is footing the bill, representatives have said they need the city’s support in order to pursue funding. 

Whether the current Dallas City Council recognizes it or not, there's genuine thirst among residents for implementing 21st Century ideas to deal with 20th-Century problems. pic.twitter.com/EqPovIVnya

— Downwinders at Risk (@cleanerair) May 24, 2023

District 1 Councilman Chad West has fought TxDOT’s request to rubber-stamp its recommendation without an independent study. West said Wednesday he has mixed feelings about the resolution of support, even with its multiple amendments. 

“I’m not in favor of a trench; I’m not in favor of an elevated freeway; I’m not in favor of a highway of any type continuing to divide the neighborhoods of Deep Ellum and downtown,” West said. “A boulevard system, not just a single boulevard, would provide for a lot more economic development, housing, restitching our neighborhoods, things that we all say are a priority for us, not just moving cars, which is also a priority. I’m going to grudgingly support this amendment today … assuming a few doors remain open.” 

District 12 Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn said she has a lot of reasons to support the hybrid plan, and it comes down to four words: “federal freight highway network.”

“This is never going to not be a highway,” she said. “We’re not going to be able to get that to happen, even if it was a good idea, which I don’t think it is. All we’re doing with all of this work is delaying … People who have decided to make this their passion project, I would highly encourage them to instead focus on what it can be with these other options, for the decking, for the capping. There are a lot of great things that could happen, but what’s not going to ever happen is for it to be a boulevard.”

Adam Lamont, a District 10 resident and founder of the activist group Dallas Neighbors for Housing, said after the vote that the motion included “a lot of good things, but it is still a resolution of support from the city.”

“The good news is that council is telling TxDOT that they need to do better than the current hybrid,” Lamont said.