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 71