They’re Closing The Gap Between Preston Ridge Trail and Cottonwood Trail
Blue Is The Preston Ridge Trail. Green Is The Cottonwood Trail.
If you’ve ever tried to ride the Preston Ridge Trail from Richardson, Plano or even north Dallas into downtown Dallas, you might of found it a bit difficult. Sure it’s a good trail that leads towards downtown, but it falls short on Coit Road, between Belt Line Road and Spring Valley Road. The closest connections into town would be either the White Rock Creek Trail which begins at LBJ Freeway, just east of Hillcrest Road – or the Cottonwood Trail, which doesn’t begin until you go east on Spring Valley and south on Maham Road. Both routes would require you to leave the multi-purpose Preston Ridge Trail and navigate either streets or sidewalks to reconnect with the other trails. Easy for some, but not for less experienced riders.
It looks like that’s about to change. We got a tip from a BFR friend that there is a new multi-purpose trail (which is part of the Cottonwood Trail) being constructed that will run along the east side of Coit Road, then along the north side of Spring Valley Road which will make the connection between the Preston Ridge Trail and the Cottonwood Trail. Great news for folks who don’t want to ride on the busy streets of Coit Road or Spring Valley Road.
It’s not a perfect solution. What qualifies this as a multi-purpose trail instead of a sidewalk? In this case, not much. Unlike other multi-purpose trails that run along the utility right-of-ways (like the Preston Ridge Trail), there isn’t much real estate to work with. Some would even think that this is no more than just a really wide sidewalk. They did the best they could with the limitations at hand. For that, we’re grateful.
We feel the best way to help differentiate this as a multi-purpose trail is to put a divider stripe down the center. This will indicate that it’s used for more than just a sidewalk. Also, put up signage to let people know what the intent for this trail is.
Click here or on the map above to get a closer look at the new connection. Below are some pics of how it looks so far.
Multi-Purpose Trail Heading North On Coit Road
Narrow Section At The Corner Of Spring Valley and Coit
Multi-Purpose Trail Heading West On Spring Valley Road
Narrow Section Heading West On Spring Valley Road
Spring Valley Crossing At Maham Road (facing south)
Multi-Purpose Trail Heading South On Maham Road
Construction Gap Where It Connects With The Existing Cottonwood Trail
Cottonwood Trail Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Friday, May 20
Image © Cottonwood Trail - Please Visit Their Site
BFR friend Howard sent us a link from Bike Friendly North Dallas. This Friday, there will be an official ribbon cutting ceremony for the completion of the Cottonwood Trail. If you weren’t aware, the Cottonwood Trail provides us a safe riding route into Dallas.
From their Facebook event page:
On Friday, May 20th at 10:30am there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of the Cottonwood Trail at the DART Forest Lane transit station. If you can, arrive on on your bike! Riders should show up for media shots on the trail at around 10AM, and to perhaps stay after the press conference for shots of people getting on the train to “go to work” (May 20th is National Bike to Work Day). We are planning on having the cyclists ride up to the trailhead from the southeast and stop in front of the ribbon that will be strung across the trail, and listen to the speeches while standing with their bikes. Please spread the word!
DATE: Friday, May 20, 2011
TIME: 10 am
LOCATION: DART Forest Lane Station
Cottonwood Creek Trail Complete – But Not Open
Complete? Well, almost.
I was in the mood to check out the progress of the Cottonwood Creek Trail which leads from south Richardson, under Central Expressway and LBJ, with plans to connect with the Dallas trail network. Ever since the dedication of the Cottonwood Creek Trail Esplanade, back in June, the plan was to complete the trail through Willowdell Park, under Forest Lane where it eventually intersects with the White Rock Trail.
To be honest, I wasn’t planning on making it too far with the expectation to be held up by an incomplete trail or bridge. To my surprise, I discovered that it was complete. Of course, they are still making the finishing touches and construction equipment is still blocking the way. There was still some bubble wrap on the rest stop bike racks. My guess is that it won’t be long before it’s officially open. Expect an announcement for that soon.
Of course, we recommend that if you travel on this trail, please use caution until it’s complete.
Here are some pics from my ride:
Cottonwood Creek Trail Esplanade - Open Since June 2010
Just South of Willowdell Park
Ramp Down To Forest Lane Underpass
South of Forest Lane Underpass
DART Forest Station Trail Head
North Side Of The New Bridge
South Side Of The New Bridge
Rest Stop
Bubble Wrapped Bike Rack
Intersection With White Rock Trail
Here is a link to a map (new section in Red).
Suburban Assault Takes On The “Low Five”
Jump over to Suburban Assault and read about my ride on the new Cottonwood Creek Trail that goes under the High Five. Developers are calling the new sub-level trail network, the “Low-Five.”
Click here to see some pics, videos and map of the new connection between Dallas and Richardson.
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