DART Blue Line Expansion

The nearly five-mile DART Rail Blue Line extension to Rowlett opened December 3, 2012. This light rail line links the downtowns of Rowlett and Garland, two important member cities.

Blue Line (Northeast Corridor) Information and Additional Resources
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The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, December 2012
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, Spring 2012
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, Winter 2012
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, Fall 2011
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, Summer 2011
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, Spring 2011
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, Winter 2011
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, Fall 2010
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, Summer 2010
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, March 2010
The Blue Line Express - A Project Report from DART, November 2009
(PDF files open in a new window) View the Blue Line to Rowlett Map
- Blue Line to Rowlett Fact Sheet
- DART Safely
- City of Rowlett website (Opens in a new window)
- City of Garland website (Opens in a new window)
- DART Construction Project Updates
- City of Rowlett Construction Update Presentation - September 27, 2012 (5.1MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - June 7, 2012 (5.7MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - March 15, 2012 (6.7MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - December 15, 2011 (4.9MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - September 22, 2011 (10.0MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Rowlett Road Closure Update Presentation - June 15, 2011 (1.3MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - May 26, 2011 (7.1MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - March 10, 2011 (80.0MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - November 9, 2010 (3.8MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Station Art & Design Presentation - August 17, 2010 (5.2MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - July 15, 2010 (8.2MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Blue Line Construction Update Presentation - October 27, 2009 (1.4MB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Dexham Estates Neighborhood Presentation - October 22, 2009 (974KB PDF file opens in a new window)
- Public Information Meeting Presentation - June 25, 2009 (1.5MB PDF file opens in a new window)
DART successfully completed the first test run of the five-mile Blue Line extension linking Garland and Rowlett
on Wednesday, April 25. The extension of DART's Blue Line is scheduled to open December 3. DART will test the
new line section several times each day leading up to the opening. Pedestrians and motorists near the tracks
and crossings need to be on the lookout for trains.
Blue Line (Northeast Corridor) Meeting Presentations
March 2012: Check out the latest progress on the Blue Line to the new Downtown Rowlett Station, scheduled to open Dec. 3, 2012. As the 4.5 mile extension nears completion, DART Rail trains will start testing on the line this summer. Be safe and watch for test trains along this new section of the Blue Line between Downtown Garland and Downtown Rowlett. While fences restrict access to most of the rail corridor, it's important to be aware that the rail line is active, with trains traveling up to 65 miles per hour depending on their location. The train at-grade crossings on the Blue Line are clearly marked with signs, red flashing lights and crossing arms that come down prior to the train's arrival at the intersection. |
Blue Line (Northeast Corridor) Projected Opening Date
4.5 miles, Downtown Garland to Downtown Rowlett; 1 stationDowntown Garland Station to Downtown Rowlett Station (4.5 miles)
Opens: | December 3, 2012 |
Stations: | Downtown Rowlett Station |
![]() Bridge Construction near Downtown Garland Station August 2011 |
![]() Bridge Construction to Downtown Garland Station August 2011 |
![]() Downtown Rowlett Station August 2011 |
![]() Downtown Rowlett Station Parking Lot August 2011 |
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![]() Bridge construction from Downtown Garland Station March 2011 |
![]() Blue Line construction March 2011 |
![]() Downtown Rowlett Station March 2011 |
![]() Downtown Rowlett Station March 2011 |
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![]() Blue Line to Rowlett Construction June 2010 |
![]() Blue Line to Rowlett Construction June 2010 |
![]() DART takes delivery of first rail for the Blue Line to Rowlett January 2009 |
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Any time you undertake a construction project, the possibility for danger is elevated. DART is urging everyone to be extra careful around its facilities, vehicles and especially the construction areas. Here are 10 tips you should know.
- Stop, look and listen for DART vehicles.
- Cross the street or track at designated crosswalks only.
- Never walk, ride or play in front of or behind a DART vehicle.
- Children should always exit the bus through the front door.
- Do not walk, ride or play in a construction area.
- Never walk, ride or play on or near railroad tracks.
- Always stand behind the textured warning strips on rail platforms.
- Be careful when driving or turning across train tracks.
- Never try to beat a train through a crossing.
- Remember: Safety begins with you. Talk to your family.

DART Rail Blue Line Groundbreaking Ceremony in Rowlett, April 9, 2009
![]() Breaking ground in Rowlett Preview this image Download JPG Download TIF |
![]() Mark Enoch, the Rowlett representative on the DART Board of Directors, speaks at the Groundbreaking Ceremony Preview this image Download JPG Download TIF |
![]() Rowlett citizens at the Groundbreaking Ceremony Preview this image Download JPG Download TIF |
![]() Rowlett Mayor John Harper cuts the ceremonial DART Rail cake as Gary Thomas, DART President/Executive Director, Randall Chrisman, DART Chairman of the Board, Mike Cantrell, Dallas County Commissioner, and Mark Enoch, DART Board Member, look on. Preview this image Download JPG Download TIF |

DART Rail to Rowlett Newsletters
- DART Rail to Rowlett Newsletter (August 2005, 2.4MB PDF file)
- DART Rail to Rowlett Newsletter (May 2005, 871KB PDF file)
DART Rail to Rowlett Final Local Environmental Assessment (May 2007)
- Rowlett Final Local Environmental Assessment
This document describes the impacts to the social, economic, physical and natural environments associated with the proposed implementation of Light Rail Transit (LRT) for the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Rail to Rowlett. The Proposed DART Rail to Rowlett would extend from the existing DART Downtown Garland LRT Station to the proposed DART Downtown Rowlett LRT Station. The project would consist of 4.8 miles of LRT along the existing Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) railroad corridor.
If you have any questions or would like more information about the Rowlett Extension, please contact DART Community Affairs at 214-749-2543.
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