REACHING A CONSENSUS FOR REHABILITATION OF THE NORTH CENTRAL EXPRESSWAY

A study is reported of the North Central Expressway corridor in Dallas, Texas, which is a major metropolitan area which developed around an existing freeway designed 30 to 40 years ago. The study resulted in recommendations that would increase travel capacity while maintaining its aesthetic appearance. A technical task force developed a detailed set of data concerning each viable alternative for improving transportation facilities in this highly developed corridor. The task force first studied the corridor\u27s land use and travel patterns, both current and projected. The design was evaluated, as were the traffic volumes and traffic operations occurring on it. A framework was then created to develop solutions for the corridor and to systematically evaluate them. The several common characteristics of the solutions are noted. The levels of solutions were classified as maximum, moderate, and do nothing. The alternatives were also differentiated by service orientation. The reduction of alternatives is described. The consensus choice of the technical team and the Citizens Advisory Committee was to construct an eight-lane plus auxiliary lanes, continuously below grade expressway, with transit in a bored tunnel. It was to be flanked by 2- or 3-lane frontage roads. All cross streets were to be widened, and the frontage road intersections would be improved