North Beckley Avenue Traffic Calming Work Group Final Report

The N. Beckley Ave initiative was launched by Councilmember Chad West to assess the corridor’s evolving landscape, focusing on traffic safety, infrastructure improvements, and community enhancements to support its transition into a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Location:

  • Council Distrct 1
  • The Traffic Calming Study Area spans roughly 1 ½ miles from the intersection of E. Davis St to the South and Interstate-30 to the North.
  • The southern portion of N. Beckley Ave includes: the Lake Cliff Community, the N. Zang Blvd intersection, the Kidd Springs Community, the Dallas Streetcar Line and the Colorado Blvd intersection.
  • The northern portion of N. Beckley Ave includes Methodist Dallas Medical Center, the Greenbriar intersection, the East Kessler Park Community, new multifamily developments, Coombs Creek Trail Crossing, the Margaret McDermott Bridge (I-30) and the Trinity River
 

Vision

North Beckley Ave has long been a vital gateway to North Oak Cliff, evolving from a historic thoroughfare to a modern, multimodal corridor. As the community shifts toward pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use development, the vision for Beckley Ave embraces safety, accessibility, and sustainability. Guided by Councilmember Chad West and a dedicated work group, this transformation prioritizes walkability, cyclist infrastructure, traffic calming, and environmental enhancements. Thoughtful planning ensures a balanced approach that respects the neighborhood’s character while fostering economic growth and connectivity. With innovative funding solutions and community-driven design, North Beckley Ave is poised to serve generations to come as a vibrant, safe, and welcoming space for all.

 

Background

North Beckley Ave has long been a central artery into North Oak Cliff, evolving alongside the community it serves. Originally a route for cattle drives and streetcars, it later expanded to accommodate growing car traffic in the mid-1900s. As the neighborhood transitions toward a more pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use environment, concerns over safety, accessibility, and infrastructure have become more pressing. Councilmember Chad West established a work group to evaluate key improvements, balancing multimodal transportation, economic development, and environmental sustainability. This effort reflects the voices of residents and businesses advocating for a roadway that enhances mobility, safety, and the unique character of North Oak Cliff.

Summary

Key Findings by Segments:

  • E. Davis St to N. Zang Blvd

    The plan prioritizes pedestrian safety with improved sidewalks, lighting, and raised terrace crosswalks at key locations. Traffic calming measures include lane adjustments and bump outs, while enhanced public transit access and added greenery aim to improve aesthetics and functionality.

  • N. Beckley Ave and N. Zang Blvd Intersection

    Key findings highlight the need to clarify traffic flow at a busy 5-way intersection, enhance pedestrian safety with crosswalks and pedestrian refuges, support local businesses with parking, and improve transit access. Proposed traffic calming measures include bump outs and lane adjustments.

  • N. Zang Blvd to Colorado Blvd

    Key findings emphasize support for local businesses with added parking, improved pedestrian safety through crosswalks and medians, and traffic calming measures such as lane reductions and bump outs. Solar reflective paint is proposed to enhanced visibility for improved driver awareness.

  • N. Beckley Ave and Colorado Blvd Intersection

    Key findings focus on improving visibility and prioritizing traffic flow for emergency vehicles near Methodist Dallas Medical Center, enhancing pedestrian safety with crosswalks and medians, supporting businesses with better access, and adjusting lanes and signage for smoother navigation.

  • Colorado Blvd to Greenbriar Ln

    Key findings focus on reducing speeds with lane adjustments, enhancing pedestrian safety through crosswalks and medians, improving transit access with better-defined DART bus stops, and increasing visibility with signage and pervious pavement. The far-right NB lane will serve as a parkway and will include additional greenery to improve aesthetics.

  • N. Beckley Ave and Greenbriar Ln Intersection

    Key findings focus on improving safety with protected left-turn lanes, reducing vehicle speeds through a road diet, and optimizing traffic flow with reconfigured lanes. Enhancements aim to make pedestrian crossings safer and ease congestion in East Kessler Park.

  • Greenbriar Ln to I-30

    Key findings emphasize the need for lane reductions, raised medians, and traffic signals to improve pedestrian safety and traffic flow. Safe pedestrian crossings and on street parking will support multimodal accessibility and future development along this vital corridor. A lane reduction and adjustments under the I-30 bridge will improve traffic flow and driver visibility.

  • North of I-30

    Key findings emphasize traffic flow improvements, enhanced pedestrian safety with crosswalks and medians, lane reductions for walkability, better signage and signal timing, and stronger traffic enforcement. Bike lane adjustments are proposed north of Yorktown St. to improve safety and match the existing bike lane at the Beckley and Commerce intersection. Added greenery and public art aim to improve aesthetics.