Report: Dallas Needs $54 Million in Sidewalk Ramps and Crosswalk Repairs

Despite having the “fifth highest pedestrian fatality rate out of the 25 largest U.S. cities,” Dallas has failed to prioritize pedestrian infrastructure, reports Lori Brown for Fox 4 News.

Responding to a recent audit of the city’s accessibility ramps, “City staff revealed on Monday that the city would need $54 million to install all of the ramps needed to comply with the federal ADA law on the books for more than 30 years.” According to the article, “The audit found a backlog of 1,500 crosswalks in need of new pavement markings. When the markings wear out, they lose reflectivity and can become slippery.”

Dallas City Councilman Chad West expressed disappointment at the city’s lack of commitment to finding funding sources, saying “the current approach continues to put walkers at risk in a city that historically has struggled to improve its walkability.”

On June 13, the Dallas Morning News Editorial Board urged the city to make their recently adopted Vision Zero plan “a true action plan – not just a wish list.” According to the editorial, “Though traffic fatalities are on the rise nationally, a city staff data analysis shows that Dallas’ fatality rate is rising faster than the U.S. average, reaching 17 deaths per every 100,000 residents in 2020.” Pedestrians account for 30 percent of Dallas traffic deaths, despite only making up 2 percent of commuters.