The U.S. government has approved a $120 million loan to advance construction of the third phase of the Orange Line in Dallas.
The $397 million light rail extension, which will connect Irving, Texas, with Dallas Fort Worth Airport (DFW), is part of the city’s plans to create a 90-mile light rail network by 2014.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said: “This investment will continue to expand Dallas’ Orange Line, creating jobs and delivering a major transportation project that will help the regional economy continue to grow and prosper.
“It’s all part of President Obama’s vision of rebuilding America, providing commuters and visitors with a variety of transportation options to fit their needs.”
The loan comes out of the government’s Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) programme.
Since 1996, the Department of Transportation has committed $796 million to the construction of the Green and Orange Line sections of Dallas’ light rail system.
On December 3, the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) authority opened two new stations on the Orange Line to Irving and one new station on the Blue Line.
