ST9301A-CS 950330March 30, 1995
Jim Jackson
County Commissioner
411 Elm Street
Dallas, Texas 75202
RE: Sandy Lake Bridge Over the Elm Fork Trinity River. City Project No. ST9301A
Dear Commission Jackson:
Thank you for taking the time to discuss the referenced project with me on March 29, 1995.
I appreciate your insight into some of the funding constraints facing Dallas County today and
in the very near future.
As you may recall, I contacted you concerning the possibility of Dallas County funding the
extension of some type of on-street trail system across the Sandy Lake Road bridge over the Elm
Fork of the Trinity River. The bridge is currently under design, and quite likely is scheduled
to be constructed sometime this year. It is my understanding that a six-lane bridge is being
constructed, however, both the cities of Coppell and Carrollton are only constructing four-lane
roadways up to the bridge. Therefore, an opportunity exists for the short-term of utilizing the
outside lane of the bridge as an on-street trail system. However, long term when the fifth and
sixth lanes are added in both Coppell and Carrollton. the opportunity to utilize the outside lane
will vanish. This will be a very difficult situation for the City of Coppell for the following
reasons:
1. The City of Coppell has currently contracted with Dallas County's consultant to redesign
our portion of Sandy Lake Road to include on-street bike paths. The City has also
committed to fund those in the construction of Sandy Lake Road.
2. The City of Coppell would like to be in a position long-term to have access to the
proposed Dalhoma Trail.
3. The City of Coppell would like to have access to Mclnnish Park.
Jim Jackson
March 30, 1995
Page Two
I have spoken to Alan Beene, Director of Public Works. Dallas County, concerning this issue.
Mr. Beene provided me with a history of the Bond Funds and the fact that at the time they were
sold there was no consideration given to funding an on-street trail system. Even in our
conversation, you indicated that Dallas County could be facing a shortfall of $20-$30 million to
balance its budget in the coming year. Therefore. I am very much aware that Dallas County has
financial concerns relative to its ability to fund additional items on the Sandy Lake Road bridge.
As I stated in our phone conversation, I have been provided the name of Mr. John Eric
Simmons, Chairman, Dallas County Open Space Board. I have a meeting scheduled with Mr.
Simmons to discuss the City of Coppell's overall trail systems, both on and off-street, and again
to reiterate the City's position that we desire Dallas County to reevaluate the long-term need for
a trail system across the bridge. I will also be inviting the City of Coppell's representative to
that board, Mr. Mike Cogburn, to attend that meeting if he is available.
In speaking with Mr. Simmons in setting up the meeting, Mr. Simmons was very forthright in
stating that Dallas County has taken the position that it will not participate in on-road trail
systems. However, the City of Coppell still desires to pursue that option with the County.
By virtue of this letter, the City of Coppell, at a minimum, would request that Dallas County
evaluate the proposed bridge design to ensure that the bridge itself be designed in such a way
that when the fifth and sixth lanes are added to the roadway, that additional width can be added
to the existing bridge section to create a separate on-street trail system across the Sandy Lake
Road Bridge.
Any assistance that you can provide the City in ensuring that this takes place would be greatly
appreciated. If you should have any questions concerning this issue, please feel free to contact
me at your convenience.
Sincerely,
Kenneth M. Griffin, P.E.
Assistant City Manager/City Engineer
KMG:kb
cc: Jim Witt, City Manager
Alan Beene, Director of Public Works Dallas County