Lake Highlands Trail

The Lake Highlands Trail is a 2.5-mile hike and bike trail constructed through a highly constrained corridor in Lake Highlands, Dallas, traversing floodplain areas, active streams, transmission easements, and a railroad corridor. The project required extensive coordination and adaptive construction methods to safely deliver long-term pedestrian infrastructure in challenging environmental and right-of-way conditions. The work included three concrete boardwalks, multiple retaining systems, stamped concrete trail respites, limestone seating areas, and custom monument signage that establishes a clear identity for the corridor. A pedestrian HAWK signalized crossing was installed to improve safety and connectivity along the trail. One of the most complex elements of the project involved installing boardwalk piers beneath Walnut Hill Lane, where excessive groundwater and limited overhead clearance made traditional cased piers infeasible and slurry methods impractical. RoeschCo collaborated with a third-party engineer to design and implement a helical pile foundation solution, allowing the project to move forward while meeting structural and clearance constraints. Additional challenges included constructing within a DART right-of-way and within an active stream environment. The completed trail delivers a durable, high-capacity public asset designed to withstand flooding, heavy use, and long-term maintenance demands.