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1. Why did the City decide to reconstruct S Belt Line now?

S Belt Line Road between Southwestern and IH-635 was originally constructed in 1985 and has outlasted its expected life, though the roadway has been maintained over the years to prolong its usability. In fact, the City partnered with Dallas County in 2018 to implement an asphalt overlay project to provide a smoother (and safer!) ride for drivers until the reconstruction project could begin.

S Belt Line Road, Freeport Parkway, and S Royal Lane were all built in mid-1980s, and, as a result, all three roadways reached a need for major repairs and upgrades at the same time. The City of Coppell charted a course many years ago to rebuild all three major roadways in the most efficient manner possible, and staff carefully considered solutions to mitigate impacts to both commuters and businesses. The City tackled the Freeport Parkway first, as this roadway provides commuters with an alternate route to both S Belt Line and S Royal. In 2017, the City began construction on Freeport. Staff worked concurrently to plan out and design the S Belt Line reconstruction project. 

Soon after the completion of S Belt Line, the City will begin reconstruction on S Royal Lane.

2. What does the S Belt Line Reconstruction project entail?

The basic scope of the Belt Line reconstruction project includes the following elements:

• Replacement of all existing pavement with an updated pavement section
• Intersection enhancements to improve mobility and safety
• Sidewalks, streetlights, and landscaping
• Strategic replacement/rehabilitation of the existing storm sewer system
• Signal work as needed to accommodate intersection changes and/or traffic control
• Replace portions of the water and sanitary sewer as well as rehabilitating manholes

The original scope included significant replacement of the water, sewer, and drainage utilities under S Belt Line. Based on investigation of the existing lines, it was determined that much of the existing utility infrastructure can remain in place with continued proper maintenance.

3. How long will construction on S Belt Line last?

It is estimated that construction on S Belt Line Road will be complete in summer 2023.

4. What alternate routes should I use to avoid S Belt Line?

Travelers on the western side of the city should use IH-635/S. Royal Lane or IH-635/Freeport Parkway. Travelers on the eastern side of the city should use MacArthur Boulevard. Commuters are also encouraged to detour to surrounding highways and tollways to avoid the area. For example, drivers can utilize SH-121/Sam Rayburn Tollway or take Sandy Lake Road to President George Bush Tollway.

5. Where can I find traffic updates and delay estimates?

The City of Coppell has partnered with Texas A&M Transportation Institute to communicate real-time travel information to an easy-to-follow Twitter account. Travel time information is automatically populated, and important updates will be communicated through this account. Simply follow along twitter.com/coppellbeltline to stay up to date. 

Additionally, digital signs that alert drivers to real-time travel conditions along various routes have been placed at locations around the construction zone. The message boards display up-to-date travel information that allows commuters to make decisions on the best route, preserving the capacity on S Belt Line Road for motorists that must use this route.

6. How much will the S Belt Line Reconstruction project cost?

The total project cost is approximately $18.6 million and is funded through bond proceeds. 

The City of Coppell bid the project, and base bids received ranged from $18.3 million to $22.2 million. All contractors bid 480 days, which was the maximum allowable under the bidding documents. The project also includes available performance incentives.

The City’s initial estimate for the project was approximately $24 million. After going through an extensive value engineering process, City engineers were able reduce the expected project cost while preserving trees and ensuring continued safety throughout construction. The value engineering process also resulted in a reduction in the number of planned construction phases, which shortened the timeline for construction.