Drivers in South Arlington can look forward to reduced gridlock and improved access across the region as the city advances with the expansion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drive, a project designed to ease traffic and enhance north-south connectivity. According to the City of Arlington, this long-anticipated roadway extension will bridge the gap between Bardin Road and Engleside Drive, eventually linking up with Southeast Green Oaks Boulevard.
The infrastructure improvement, which commenced this February, is slated for completion by November. Once completed, the four-lane road will not only provide a new north-south route but also include vital connections to East Embercrest Drive, close to local landmarks such as Bob McFarland Park and Williams Elementary School. The City of Arlington is utilizing a combined funding pot for this undertaking—mixing street and water bond funds with Tarrant County 2021 Transportation Bond dollars and contributions from the North Central Texas Council of Governments via the Surface Transportation Block Grant.
However, it's not just about the asphalt; the project promises a range of enhancements, including updates to water and sewer infrastructure, drainage improvements, and pedestrian-friendly additions such as sidewalks and a shared-use path. To improve safety and flow, traffic signals at East Bardin Road and West Embercrest Drive are also set to be optimized.
