DART Silverline
Geotex Delivers Scalable Geotechnical Solutions for the DART Silver Line Project
As Geotex celebrates 15 years of geotechnical excellence, we’re highlighting the projects that have shaped both our legacy and the future of North Texas. Project 10 stands out as one of the most ambitious and far-reaching undertakings in our history: the DART Silver Line, a 26.2-mile commuter rail corridor designed to connect Plano to DFW Airport with modern, multimodal transportation.
A Major Milestone for Regional Transit
The DART Silver Line is a transformative project aimed at relieving congestion, improving mobility, and fostering economic development across North Texas. With a price tag of over $1 billion, the Silver Line includes more than two dozen miles of rail infrastructure, 10 passenger stations, multiple bridge and wall systems, and miles of multi-use trails for cyclists and pedestrians.
Since 2019, Geotex has been proud to partner with Jacobs Engineering to provide geotechnical engineering services on Segment CB-3, the easternmost 12.7 miles of the line. Our role encompassed:
- 12 bridge structures, including several overpasses and underpasses
- 75+ retaining wall segments, including MSE, T-wall, drilled shaft and noise walls
- 10 passenger station platforms
- Track embankments, grading, and soil stabilization
- Foundation analyses for a wide variety of soil and bedrock conditions
Technical Complexity Meets Practical Design
This project demanded a wide breadth of technical expertise and adaptability. Geotex conducted comprehensive lab testing on local subsurface materials, including bedrock limestone, shale, and water-bearing alluvium. To deliver optimized foundation designs, we used a suite of proven, industry-standard geotechnical software tools, including:
- Slope/W for slope stability
- MSE Wall for modular wall systems
- Settle 3D for settlement analysis of soft and layered soils
One highlight was our work designing and analyzing augered cast-in-place piles (ACIPs) where groundwater and soft shale presented challenges. We supported load test development and analysis, refining recommendations to reduce cost and risk while maintaining performance and safety.
Trusted to Do More
What began as a role focused on Segment CB-3 quickly expanded. Thanks to Geotex’s consistent performance, technical accuracy, and adherence to DART and the Design-Builder’s extensive safety protocols, we were tasked by the D/B team for the geotechnical re-design of all retaining walls and platforms in Segments CB-1 and CB-2.
Additional scope expansions included:
- A major complex bridge structure in Segment CB-2
- The companion 26-mile parallel hike-and-bike trail featuring retaining walls, bridges, and embankments
- A rail maintenance yard with complex grading and drainage needs
- A sewer force main crossing requiring tailored geotechnical recommendations
This level of trust and responsibility underscores Geotex’s ability to adapt to project growth without compromising schedule, safety, or technical standards.
Looking Ahead: Service Begins 2026
With public service expected to begin in early 2026, the Silver Line is already reshaping—and will continue to transform—how residents, commuters, and visitors move throughout the region. For Geotex, it’s more than just another project—it’s an opportunity to contribute to the long-term livability and sustainability of the communities we serve.
See How Geotex Helped Bring This Transit Vision to Life
Geotex’s work on the DART Silver Line—alongside Jacobs Engineering—is a shining example of geotechnical engineering’s role in safe, efficient, and future-ready infrastructure.
Interested in more behind-the-scenes looks at the projects shaping our region? Follow our countdown as we celebrate 15 years of geotechnical service with 15 notable projects.