DART to install light-rail platform barriers

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) crews soon will begin installing barriers at 64 light-rail stations to prevent riders from stepping off a platform between coupled rail cars during boarding.

Provided by Impact Recovery Systems Inc., the barriers also will help make visually impaired riders aware that the space between cars is not a door opening, thereby deterring them from entering the area, DART officials said in a press release.

The 256 barriers will be installed by July 31.

Also yesterday, DART's board agreed to transfer ownership of the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe trestle bridge structure to the city of Dallas.

The city acquired the bridge so it can be removed. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers  previously concluded that removing the structure would help reduce flood risk and enhance the ecosystem in the Dallas Trinity River Corridor, DART officials said.

DART's board declared the bridge structure, which is adjacent to a DART light-rail bridge, a surplus to agency needs. 

The bridge was turned over to the city for non-cash considerations, agency officials said.