Politics
Dallas Budget Directs Funds to Street, Freeway and Water Upgrades
Allocations under the fiscal year 2025-2026 budget target street resurfacing, Interstate 30 expansion and the Elm Fork Water Treatment Plant for Dallas residents.
How we reported this
Dallas adopted a record $5.2 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-2026 that allocates $2.2 billion to sustainable infrastructure and critical water system improvements. The measures affect residents who use local streets, freeways and water services on a daily basis.
The city committed over $431 million in April 2026 to infrastructure projects. This includes $110 million for street resurfacing, corridor upgrades and trail funding plus $90 million for the Elm Fork Water Treatment Plant. Nine major freeway upgrades exceeding $830 million also began in 2026, anchored by a $730.5 million expansion of Interstate 30 from I-35E to I-45.
Transportation and street improvements
The city passed an updated Dallas Bike Plan on May 28, 2025. Under the new budget, $162 million is allocated to improve 750 miles of streets. Dallas updated its Development Code to mandate zoning reform and streamlined planning rules that align infrastructure investment with urban growth. These steps connect directly to daily travel for residents who commute on city streets and freeways.
Residents who drive on Interstate 30 between I-35E and I-45 may encounter construction activity tied to the $730.5 million project. The street resurfacing and corridor work funded at $110 million addresses segments used by local drivers and cyclists. The $162 million street improvement allocation covers 750 miles that residents rely on for work, errands and recreation.
Water system and planning updates
The $90 million commitment to the Elm Fork Water Treatment Plant forms part of the broader $2.2 billion infrastructure portion of the budget. Residents who receive water service from the city stand to see work at this facility. The updated Development Code applies zoning and planning changes across Dallas neighborhoods to match new infrastructure spending with growth patterns.
The government says the policy will support continued project delivery in coming periods. Residents can expect further updates on specific street segments and water facility work as implementation proceeds.