Breaking: Controversial Trinity Toll Road Officially a No-Go

Dallas has ended decades of debate about a highway project proposed to run along the Trinity River.

1 minute read

August 9, 2017, 2:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Dallas Highways

amadeustx / Shutterstock

"The Trinity toll road is dead," reports Stephen Young. "After limited discussion Wednesday morning, the Dallas City Council voted 13-2 to abandon Alternative 3C, the only federally approved plan for a road between the Trinity River levees."

According to Young's coverage of the event, the final nail in the coffin of the controversial project seemed ensured last week, during a briefing on the status of the project.

In additional coverage, Robert Wilonsky provides commentary on the political will behind the decision. According to Wilonsky's take, the demise of the project could be credited to former Dallas City Councilmember Angela Hunt. Wilonsky writes:

The vote, overwhelming and unimaginable but two years ago, did not stop Hunt from tearing up, just a bit, and reveling in the moment. She had waited for this since 2007, when, as a young council member, she led the special citywide referendum to kill the road that was thwarted by road-builders, landowners, politicians and Dallas Citizens Council members who made it their life's mission to sink Hunt's efforts.

Wilonsky has been a regular reference in Planetizen's coverage of the Trinity Toll Road over the years.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 in Dallas Observer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

July 2, 2025 - Mother Jones

Close-up of park ranger in green jacket and khaki hat looking out at Bryce Canyon National Park red rock formations.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions

Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.

February 18, 2025 - National Parks Traveler

Paved walking path next to canal in The Woodlands, Texas with office buildings in background.

Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50

A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

February 19, 2025 - Greg Flisram

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Test News Post 1

This is a summary

0 seconds ago - 2TheAdvocate.com

Red 1972 Ford Pinto with black racing stripes on display with man sitting in driver's seat.

Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto

The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.

18 minutes ago - Mother Jones

test alt text

Test News Headline 46

Test for the image on the front page.

March 5 - Cleantech blog