DCTA Completes Construction of A-Train Rail Trail
The Denton County Transportation Authority’s (DCTA) 19-mile A-train Rail Trail is now complete following years of construction. The final construction project phase connecting Highland Village/Lewisville Lake station to downtown Lewisville was complete at the end of December 2019.
The A-train Rail Trail runs alongside the agency’s commuter rail line and was designed to complement its surroundings and adjacent facilities. Pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy a safe and fun travel experience on DCTA's A-train Rail Trail that connects all five A-train stations from the Downtown Denton Transit Center (DDTC) all the way to the Hebron station in Lewisville. With scenic views and easy accessibility, the A-train Rail Trail is a viable amenity for biking, walking, running and other exercise activities.
“Our staff has worked diligently with our many partners on our A-train Rail Trail and having the trail construction complete is a significant milestone for us,” DCTA CEO Raymond Suarez said. “The rail trail is a viable mobility option that provides a multitude of benefits for the many communities DCTA services such as economic and transit-oriented development opportunities for cities along the trail, recreational option for affordable exercise and enhanced quality of life.”
North Central Texas Council of Governments (NCTCOG) recently named the agency’s Rail Trail as the “Trail of the Month” in January 2020.
A-train Rail Trail by the Numbers
Length: 19-mile long rail trail
Total Cost of Construction: Approximately $14 million
Construction Time: 9 years to complete the trail
Completion Date: The rail trail was officially completed on December 30, 2019
City Parks Included in Trail: The Denton Branch Rail Trail, Lewisville and Highland Village trails are incorporated in the A-train Rail Trail system.
List of Rail Trail Amenities
The A-train Rail Trail has many amenities passengers can utilize along the scenic trail. There are rest areas along the trail and trash cans for use. For bike and pedestrian safety, Z crossing fencing is installed at rail intersections. Z crossing fences were installed to allow cyclists to dismount, look both ways and walk their bikes across the rail tracks. In addition, DCTA plans to install reflective surfaces on the fencing to help with visibility.
