Construction Begins to Extend Platforms at DART Red and Blue Line Stations

By Jay Srinivasan

Construction is underway to extend platforms at Dallas Area Rapid Transit’s (DART) Red and Blue Line stations to accommodate more riders and longer trains.

Currently, the Red and Blue lines are limited to two-car trains due to platform lengths at 21 of the existing 28 stations. By expanding the platforms at these stations, three-car trains can be operated system-wide, significantly increasing capacity throughout the rail system. At the seven remaining stations, which were originally constructed to accommodate the additional car, a third special use raised platform area will be constructed per Americans with Disability Act (ADA) standards. The existing special use raised platform areas will be relocated.

DART estimates that when the project is complete, capacity on the light rail system will increase by 33 percent. The total project cost is $128 million. In June 2019, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) announced a $60 million grant agreement with DART for construction of the platform extensions.

“The Red and Blue Line Platform Extension project is a critical component of DART’s ongoing mission of improving mobility options for our customers,” said John Rhone, DART vice president of capital design and construction. “Greater access to mobility options means better access to jobs and school, as well as health care and educational opportunities. With the additional capacity afforded by this project, more of our customers can get to their destinations safely and comfortably.”

“The project will ease congestion during peak hours, reduce commuting times and provide a more comfortable ride for all passengers,” said Sofia Ojeda, associate at Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam, Inc. (LAN), which is providing project management services for the platform extensions.

Each platform is expected to take approximately four months to complete. All 28 platforms will be completed by September 2022.