Frequently Asked Questions

The Wycliffe Avenue Reconstruction Project is, first and foremost, a public safety initiative. The current dam and infrastructure pose a serious hazard, having been classified as “high hazard” by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). According to national dam safety standards, a high-hazard classification indicates that dam failure is expected to result in loss of human life. This designation places Wycliffe Avenue among the most critical dam sites in terms of public safety risks in Texas. By undertaking this project, the Town is actively working to reclassify the dam to “low-hazard”—a designation reserved for sites where no loss of life is expected in the event of failure. This initiative is a legal and technical necessity designed to mitigate the risk of extreme flooding in the area for both residents and first responders. This project is not merely an infrastructure upgrade—it is a long-term investment in the safety and resilience of our community.

The Wycliffe Avenue Reconstruction Project was developed through a phased and collaborative process spanning several years. The Town’s engineering team created an initial conceptual solution aimed at addressing longstanding public safety concerns and infrastructure deficiencies. Because the design was included in active multijurisdictional legal discussions, the Town was prohibited from sharing specific details of the project during this initial phase. 

The Town hosted a public Town Hall meeting in late 2024 to present the proposed solution and gather input from residents. In response to community feedback raised during the meeting, a community working group comprised of residents from both Highland Park and Dallas was established. This group worked closely for six months with engineers and Town staff to evaluate the initial concept and explore potential enhancements. 

The final plan reflects this collaborative effort, incorporating improvements that align with technical best practices, the community’s values, as well as thoughtful consideration for environmental resilience and aesthetics.

Construction is expected to begin in June 2026 and continue for approximately 20–24 months. This timeline enables comprehensive work and flexibility to accommodate public safety, weather and utility coordination

Portions of Wycliffe Avenue, Fitzhugh Avenue, St. Johns Drive, Lakeside Drive and Turtle Creek Boulevard will experience closures or restricted access at various phases of the project; however, not all areas will be impacted simultaneously. The Town will implement a phased construction schedule along with clear detours, signage and traffic control measures to minimize disruptions as much as possible.

The final proposed design includes adjustments to the lane configuration. A dedicated left-turn lane will be added across the bridge (similar to existing conditions), and Wycliffe Avenue will be reduced from three lanes to two. To address community concerns about potential traffic impacts, traffic modeling was conducted. The analysis shows no significant change in traffic flow under the proposed configuration.

Watch the videos below to see the traffic modeling comparisons:

• Existing Traffic Conditions – Watch Video
• Proposed Lane Reduction Scenario – Watch Video

The Wycliffe Avenue Reconstruction Project delivers significant and lasting benefits to Highland Park. Most importantly, it enhances public safety by reducing the risk of flooding and reclassifying the existing dam from “high-hazard” to “low-hazard,” meaning the risk to life and property will be dramatically reduced. The project is engineered to withstand a 100-year storm event without overtopping Wycliffe Avenue, a critical improvement based on updated hydrologic data and modern resilience standards. 

Additional benefits include: 

• Improved drainage infrastructure and reduced floodplain boundaries. 
• Preservation of the existing water level in Connor Lake, maintaining the community’s aesthetic and environmental character. 
• Upgraded utility infrastructure and traffic improvements that will enhance daily life for residents. 
• Compliance with all state and federal environmental regulations through a Nationwide Permit.

Together, these enhancements will increase public safety, reliability of essential services and overall quality of life in Highland Park for generations to come.

In addition to addressing vital safety issues, the Wycliffe Avenue Reconstruction Project will enhance traffic management, stormwater control and utility infrastructure. The project will also feature upgraded pedestrian pathways, landscaping and aesthetic improvements that contribute to neighborhood appeal and property value. Many of the design elements were thoughtfully influenced by residents of the Town and designated by legal necessity.

Work will be centered around Wycliffe Avenue between St. Johns Drive and Lakeside Drive. The existing dam (roadway) in this area will be removed and reconstructed as a bridge, necessitating traffic rerouting and temporary closures.

The Wycliffe Avenue Reconstruction Project is funded through a multi-agency partnership that significantly reduces the financial burden on Highland Park residents. Approximately 72% of the estimated $22 million project cost will be covered by external sources, including state and federal infrastructure grants, regional partners and contributions from neighboring jurisdictions. 

Key contributors include the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) through an 80/20 federal funding match, Dallas County via a 50/50 cost-sharing agreement, the TCEQ through a grant supporting design costs, and financial participation from the cities of Dallas and University Park. 

The remaining costs, estimated at approximately $6.2 million, will be funded by the Town of Highland Park using local tax dollars. These funds support both design and construction activities specific to the Town’s infrastructure. This collaborative funding approach ensures Highland Park residents receive a high-impact public safety and infrastructure project while maximizing external financial support.

Yes, the Town is fully committed to maintaining access for all residents and businesses throughout the project. The Town will work closely with residents and businesses in the area to ensure access is always available. This includes uninterrupted accommodation for routine activities such as mail and package deliveries, utility services, visitor arrivals and other essential functions. 

Emergency services, including fire, police and EMS, will always have immediate and unimpeded access. Coordination with first responders will be prioritized to ensure swift response times and public safety under all circumstances. 

Any temporary traffic disruptions or changes to typical access routes will be communicated in advance. The Town is taking a proactive approach to communication and will provide timely updates and support to minimize inconvenience and help residents and businesses plan accordingly.

Utility relocation and upgrades are an integral part of the Wycliffe Avenue Reconstruction Project. While we anticipate some disruption during utility relocations throughout the project, this ultimately will result in significant upgrades to infrastructure owned by the Town of Highland Park, the City of University Park, the City of Dallas and several private utility providers. Planned improvements include relocation and replacement of major lines such as the Town’s 30-inch Turtle Creek interceptor, 8-inch water lines, and 8-inch and 18-inch wastewater collectors. The City of Dallas will also upsize its 10-inch wastewater line to 18 inches, relocate wastewater flow meters and replace a 16-inch water line.

In addition to public infrastructure, franchise utilities including Oncor, Atmos, AT&T and Spectrum will conduct coordinated relocations to ensure continuity of service. While some brief service interruptions may occur, they are expected to be minimal and will be communicated well in advance. The Town is committed to working closely with all utility partners to minimize disruption and maintain as much continuity of service as possible throughout the construction period.

Construction zones will be clearly designated with signage, securely fenced, monitored and coordinated with emergency services. A dedicated inspector and owner’s representative will oversee compliance and daily site safety.

Parking near the construction site will be limited to residents only. Additional signage will guide alternative arrangements. Every effort will be made to strategically identify parking areas for construction crews that minimize impacts on adjacent neighborhoods and avoid disrupting day-to-day residential activity. The Town is committed to balancing construction needs with neighborhood quality of life.

Beyond Highland Park, the Wycliffe Avenue Reconstruction Project provides measurable benefits to the broader North Texas region. The project strengthens regional flood resilience by removing vulnerable structures from the floodplain and improving the overall hydrology of the Turtle Creek watershed. It supports environmental compliance and sustainable development practices that align with regional planning goals. 

Partnering jurisdictions, including Dallas, University Park and Dallas County, also benefit from shared infrastructure upgrades, utility coordination, and improved stormwater management. These enhancements help protect downstream neighborhoods, regional roadways and public infrastructure from future flood events. 

Ultimately, the project will set a model for multi-agency collaboration, demonstrating how local and regional investments can work together to achieve shared safety, environmental and infrastructure goals.

The Town is committed to keeping residents well-informed throughout the Wycliffe Avenue Reconstruction Project. To support this goal, the Town has made several investments in communication, including retaining the services of a local strategic communications firm to support comprehensive and proactive communications efforts. A dedicated Project website will also be created to serve as a central hub for timely updates, construction alerts, project milestones, FAQs and other key information. 

In addition, the Town will continue to utilize its existing communication platforms—including the Town’s website, social media channels, newsletters and Blue Zone notifications—to ensure consistent outreach to the community. 

An Owner’s Representative dedicated exclusively to this project will serve as an on-the-ground resource to oversee daily activities, coordinate with contractors and help communicate directly with affected residents and stakeholders. This integrated communication approach is designed to ensure transparency, minimize disruptions and provide residents with timely and accurate information every step of the way.