A Brand-New Behind the Tracks Cotton Belt Refresher

Posted on Jun 19, 2018 by dartdallas
We know it’s been awhile since we gave you an update on the Cotton Belt. That’s why we wanted to go over where you can find information on how the Cotton Belt will be engineered, where the stations will be located, and how DART is working with the community to make sure the Cotton Belt is the best regional rail for North Texas! Check out our Behind the Tracks series below to get the latest on the Cotton Belt. How North Texas’ Geography Impacts the Cotton Belt Building a regional rail line like the Cotton Belt is a huge undertaking; especially since the train’s tracks will span over 26 miles, traveling through six different cities. That means DART will have to account for different geological features and soil types. Check out this post to learn how our region’s geography impacts how DART will build the Cotton Belt. Read more>> Safety First for the Cotton Belt DART conducts intense impact analyses that include measuring the current noise levels and potential levels after the Cotton Belt is running. We’ve found that the majority of noise impacts occur at street crossings due to train horns. The blow of a whistle or the toot of a horn is one most people associate with trains. DART must follow the rules of the FRA, but can implement measures to ensure that the Cotton Belt’s horn doesn’t impact residents as much as its freight relative. Read more>> Aesthetics are Important for the Cotton Belt Impacts on the visual and aesthetic character of an area may occur during construction of the Cotton Belt. DART can take many steps to mitigate potential visual impacts in order to be the best neighbor possible for all North Texans. Learn more about potential visual impacts and what DART is doing to make sure the Cotton Belt fits in with North Texas’ visual landscape. Read more>> How We Make Trains Good Neighbors DART takes the following steps to identify areas where noise from the Cotton Belt could be an issue. First, we identify locations of sensitive uses (including places of worship, homes, parks, etc.). Then we measure existing noise levels and estimate the new potential noise level with the transit project. Finally, we propose mitigation measures to lessen the new noise level. Read more>> Feel the rumble of the train? Not so much with the Cotton Belt! Have you ever stopped on the side of freeway and had a large-semi truck pass you by? Do freight trains passing by rattle your dishes?  You don’t just hear it, you feel it too. DART wants to make sure that the Cotton Belt doesn’t feel like a freeway or those old freight trains! Read more>> Want More Info? Check out the Cotton Belt web page.  You can find information about potential stations, mitigation impacts, engineering boards, and design updates.
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