Texas’ Denton County Transportation Authority (DCTA) was awarded funding from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) under the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to complete the last portion of the A-train Rail Trail project in Lewisville.

DCTA received nearly $2.4 million in funds to complete the last portion of the Lewisville Hike and Bike trail, which runs from the agency’s Old Town Station on East Main Street to the Highland Village/Lewisville Lake Station on Garden Ridge Boulevard.

Once complete, the Lewisville Hike and Bike trail will run from DCTA’s Hebron Station all the way to the Highland Village/Lewisville Lake Station. Construction on the last portion of the Lewisville Hike and Bike trail is expected to begin in early 2016.

“Receiving this grant is a huge step forward for the completion of our A-train Rail Trail,” said Jim Cline, DCTA president. “This project demonstrates our commitment to all modes of travel and developing a comprehensive transportation system that improves the environment and overall quality of life for Denton County residents.”

The agency is working with the City of Lewisville on its Long Range Planning for Vision 2025, which incorporates the A-train Rail Trail. Once completed, the A-train Rail Trail will help provide access to recreational opportunities and other municipally-owned trails and provide a safe, affordable transportation alternative for local travel.

DCTA expects to complete its entire 18.1-mile A-train Rail Trail project by late 2017. The A-train Rail Trail will connect each of the agency’s rail stations and provide pedestrians and bicyclists a safe opportunity to travel the entire trail or take a break and ride the A-train or Connect bus.