Cyclists Hope to Put Brakes on White Rock Lake Detour

A lap around White Rock Lake is about to get a bit longer for some runners and cyclists.

Construction crews are gearing up to shut down the intersection of West Lawther Drive at Northwest Highway on July 13.

Hundreds of cyclists cross the intersection every day for easy access to White Rock Lake.

"Where else are we going to go to train?" cyclist Trey Barclay said. "Where else are the fat people of the world going to try and get thin?"

The Texas Department of Transportation has come up with a detour for runners and cyclists. They will be able to cross Northwest Highway at Buckner Boulevard, less than a mile away.

"It's going to make me come out here not as often," cyclist Patricia Wolf said. "I will probably find another place to ride, and if I do, it will have to be one of the good days where I don't mind putting in the extra mile."

The construction along Northwest Highway is designed to raise it 6 to 8 feet so it is above the flood plain. TxDOT estimates the project will take two years.

"I realize this is an important project, maybe a nice project, but there's got to be a better way to do it," Wolf said. "That's just a long time."

Boyd Wallace, owner of Dallas Bike Works, said he worries the project will destroy his brand-new business. He opened his bike shop at the corner of Northwest Highway and West Lawther two months ago.

"We're deeply invested into the bike shop," he said. "This could really set us back."

Wallace has been on the phone with city councilors and TxDOT in hopes of putting the brakes on the proposed detour.

"Hopefully they are going to work with us," Wallace said. "It would be a real shame if they don't."


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