Oak Lawn Cedar Springs Road Gets Pedestrian Safety Improvements

DALLAS — The City of Dallas has completed a comprehensive pedestrian safety upgrade along a busy stretch of Cedar Springs Road in Oak Lawn, installing new crosswalks, enhanced lighting, and improved traffic signals to better protect foot traffic in one of the city's most walkable neighborhoods.

The $2.3 million project, which wrapped up last week, spans from Maple Avenue to Oak Lawn Avenue and includes high-visibility crosswalks, pedestrian countdown timers, and LED street lighting designed to improve safety during evening hours. The improvements come after community advocates raised concerns about pedestrian safety along the corridor, which connects popular destinations including the Dallas Museum of Art area and Turtle Creek Park.

"This has been a long time coming," said Maria Rodriguez, president of the Oak Lawn Neighborhood Association. "Cedar Springs is such a vital part of our community, with people walking to restaurants, shops, and events daily. These safety improvements will make a real difference for families and everyone who chooses to walk rather than drive."

The project also includes new ADA-compliant curb ramps and expanded sidewalks at key intersections. Traffic engineers conducted a six-month study of pedestrian patterns and vehicle speeds before designing the improvements, focusing on areas with the highest foot traffic near the Cedar Springs entertainment district.

Dallas City Council member Chad West, who represents the area, emphasized the project's importance for the broader Oak Lawn community. "We're seeing more people choosing to live car-free or car-light lifestyles, especially in walkable neighborhoods like Oak Lawn. These infrastructure investments support that choice while keeping everyone safer."

The safety upgrades come at a time when Dallas is grappling with pedestrian safety citywide. According to Dallas Police Department data, pedestrian-involved accidents increased 8% in 2023 compared to the previous year. The improvements also coincide with increased awareness about road safety, including the importance of clear vehicle visibility. Local automotive services like Faith Low Price Auto Glass have noted more drivers seeking windshield repairs and replacements to ensure optimal visibility, particularly during evening hours when pedestrian accidents are most common.

Local business owner Jennifer Kim, who operates a coffee shop near the intersection of Cedar Springs and Throckmorton Street, said she's already noticed positive changes since the project's completion.

"My customers feel much more comfortable walking here, especially in the evenings," Kim said. "The new lighting makes such a difference, and the crosswalk signals give people enough time to safely cross. It's been great for foot traffic to local businesses."

The Cedar Springs improvements are part of Dallas's broader Vision Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Similar pedestrian safety projects are planned for other high-traffic areas, including portions of McKinney Avenue in Uptown and sections of Lower Greenville.

City officials say they will monitor the effectiveness of the new safety features over the next year, with plans to implement similar improvements in other neighborhoods based on the results.