Ambivalence Over Dallas 'Deck Park' Proposal

As the Southern Gateway project moves forward in the state approval process, a component proposal for a cap park over Interstate 35E hangs in the balance.

1 minute read

May 27, 2016, 1:00 PM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Dallas Highways

amadeustx / Shutterstock

"A Dallas City Council committee voted Monday to support building a 5.5-acre deck above Interstate 35E near the Dallas Zoo," reports Robert Wilonsky. "But that support wasn’t exactly overwhelming."

The proposal to cap Interstate 35E is part of the $625 million Southern Gateway project, which has encountered controversy in the past over its plan to add toll lanes to two Dallas-area highways.

The recent opposition to the cap park plan, however, came from residents and businesses along the corridor, "some of whom are concerned about being displaced in favor of 5 acres of green space."

Wilonsky's coverage includes details of the four options on the table for the I-35E deck park, ranging in potential cost from an estimated $35.4 million to $118 million. As for the Southern Gateway project, "TxDOT’s hoping to hold a public hearing later this summer in order to get environmental clearance for the Southern Gateway project, and come August it hopes to issue a request for proposals." Thus, the clock for the deck park proposal is ticking.

Monday, May 23, 2016 in The Dallas Morning News

Young Professional

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban and Environmental Planner

Get top-rated, practical training for planners

"Planetizen federal action tracker" logo superimposed over black and white image of US Capitol dome.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

October 28, 2026 - Zachary Whalen

A car drives through a puddle, making a large splash. Rain pours down.

California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour

If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.

October 28, 2026 - Grist

A pencil rendering of Foundry Park, which shows skyscrapers and public green spaces.

Chicago breaks ground on $3 billion megadevelopment

The new neighborhood, titled Foundry Park, will one day host 3,700 residences.

October 23, 2026 - Chicago Sun Times

A rendering of a high speed rain station in California, with wide platforms and a sleep train with yellow highlights.

California High-Speed Rail Authority CEO resigns after $600,000 scandal

Under Ian Choudri, the authority used taxpayer dollars to fund first class flights and trips to nightclubs.

October 30 - Cal Matters

 A bridge stretches across the Missouri River at Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Want to study the Missouri River? Soon, you may need unanimous approval from 10 states

Legislation would require 10 governors’ permission to study or build projects moving water outside the basin.

October 30 - South Dakota Searchlight

Lake Powell with much of the water evaporated.

Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River

Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.

October 30 - Yale Environment 360