The LOOP as a resilient infrastructure investment in the City of Dallas is being realized. The first phase of the Trinity Forest Spine Trail, under construction now, was put to the test during the 1,000 year flood event on August 22. As the trail follows White Rock Creek south from White Rock Lake to the Trinity Forest, the floodplain has controlled how this green space is activated and accessed.

During the recent storms, much of the Tenison Glen Golf Course around White Rock Creek was under water.

We designed the Trinity Forest Spine Trail above traditional standards, elevating the trail to at least the five-year flood level throughout its length. While these modifications take more time, money, and expertise to design and construct, the final product is already proving its worth. Four days after the August flooding, despite some areas being submerged during the storm, construction crews were able to return to the site and continue pouring concrete for the project. The elevated trail design and construction withstood the floodwaters, as designed.

Two weeks after the storms, the largest bridge on this phase of the project was installed. The 190’ single span bridge crosses White Rock Creek just north of the golf course and south of a historic, and the still-active railroad trestle, which you can see below.

We’re proud of The LOOP’s leadership and design and look forward to celebrating these accomplishments with you all when the trail opens later this year.