Arlington Comprehensive Plan Update Adopted 3-17-2015 | Page 77
Connectivity
The City of Arlington is an expansive
city that is situated centrally in an even
more expansive metropolitan area.
World-class amenities are scattered
throughout North Texas and serve
everyone who lives here. As such, the
city must be conscious of how well
people and goods can get into, out of,
and through Arlington.
One of Arlington’s biggest challenges
is that the city is very long north-tosouth with areas being seemingly
disconnected from each other. The few
roads that connect north and south
Arlington are at times crowded which
increases travel times. An example
of the need to increase connectivity
through the city is Center Street, a
main road in Arlington, which does
not extend all the way to I-20. Collins
Street, Cooper Street, and Matlock
Road do cross Interstate 20, and
are congested during peak hours.
Extending Center Street over I-20
would ease congestion on other roads
in south Arlington, while also opening
up currently inaccessible land to
development. In addition to improving
travel times for those traveling north
or south, Center Street is in close
proximity to the Arlington Highlands,
restaurants, and the Municipal Airport,
making this an improvement that will
also invigorate the regional economy
and create jobs.
By continuing to improve Arlington’s
connectivity both locally and
regionally, the city can solidify its
identity as a world-class destination
that is easy to access for residents,
businesses, and visitors.
Transportation Alternatives
Although roadways are the main mode
of transportation in Arlington, there is
an opportunity and growing necessity
to accommodate alternative modes
of transportation. Reducing the use
of roadways where possible has many
benefits to our community including
prolonging the life of the roads,
improving the health of our residents,
improving the air quality, preserving
the local ecosystem, and increasing the
sense of community. The city has made
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