In the evolving landscape of urban transportation, highway deck lids—sometimes known as “caps”—are transforming how cities reconnect neighborhoods, create vibrant public spaces and unlock new economic opportunities.
These innovative structures are increasingly recognized as transformative features for modern urban highway projects, which can reconnect communities that were severed when the highway system was initially built. Often, these marvelous features may go unnoticed by the untrained eye, blending vibrant public spaces into an urban community with such precision that it becomes a natural part of the landscape.
Deck lids are engineered platforms constructed over sunken or depressed highways, creating usable land for green space, plazas or even buildings. By capping highways, cities reclaim space lost to infrastructure; mitigate noise and pollution; catalyze commercial and residential development; and provide safe, walkable connections between divided communities. Across the country, cities such as Seattle, Phoenix, Dallas, Austin and Atlanta are integrating deck lids into urban highway projects.
That said, enticing a DOT to consider implementing a deck lid isn’t always straightforward.
Deck lids can be expensive. Funding typically involves a mix of public and private sources, grants, loans and amenity income. Long-term operations and maintenance costs also must be considered, often requiring innovative partnerships and governance structures.
When pitching an idea like this, showing the economic upside can inspire community buy-in and engage potential funding partners, such as through anticipated increases in property value, tax revenue and real estate development in areas where it may otherwise be difficult or impossible.
Working closely with the highway owner (typically the state DOT), proponents can ensure the freeway’s future growth needs are considered and included. The deck lid also can serve basic but critical functions that address larger priorities such as pedestrian safety when crossing congested highways. Then it’s not just a nice thing to have—it’s a must.
Success Stories
Klyde Warren Park in Dallas is a flagship example. Built over the Woodall Rodgers Freeway, the park was championed by downtown businesses and the Woodall Rogers Park Foundation. Its primary driver was economic development and revitalization.
First opened in 2012, the park operates today as a privately managed public space, with a $5 million annual budget and a 40-year lease with the city to operate, maintain and manage the park. The city maintains the deck and life-safety elements, while Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is responsible for the highway lanes and retaining walls.
“There are many reasons cities want one,” explains my colleague Bob Brown, WSP senior vice president and local Transportation leader in Dallas. “They transform urban areas, making them more attractive for both residents and businesses and encouraging vibrant, walkable neighborhoods.”
For TxDOT, the decision to build or not to build a deck lid is easy.
“As a transportation agency, they are not able to front construction or operations cost not directly related to the highway,” notes Brown. “But if local stakeholders are prepared to bring the funding, they’ll add a deck lid to the project scope.”
Similarly, Halperin Park, a five-acre cap park over Interstate 35 in Dallas that WSP designed, is set to open in spring 2026. Built by TxDOT as part of plans to widen I-35, the Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation is responsible for funding and maintaining Halperin Park. The foundation paid the initial $65 million for park construction and eventual maintenance through contributions from private and philanthropic donors.
Halperin Park is a five-acre cap park over Interstate 35 in Dallas set to open in spring 2026. (Halperin Park/Southern Gateway Public Green Foundation)
The new iconic deck park will reconnect the previously divided Oak Cliff neighborhood and is anticipated to generate an economic impact of approximately $1 billion during its first five years, in part through increased property tax revenue as well as retail and restaurant sales.
Further to the west, the four-acre Central 70 Cover Park in Denver demonstrates another outstanding governance model. Completed in 2022, it’s a publicly managed, municipally owned space. Designed by WSP, the Colorado Department of Transportation led the project, overseeing infrastructure and design maintenance, while the city manages park programming.
Alternative delivery often is essential in the creation of deck lids. Some look to public-private partnerships (P3s) to get a deal done. For Central 70, the project was delivered through a design-build-finance-operate-maintain contract, highlighting the importance of integrated delivery and long-term stewardship.
Deck lids require a considerable amount of strategic advising and governance to form P3s or concessionaires to help build, support and maintain them. Successful deck lid projects start with strong community drivers: business coalitions, chambers of commerce or advocacy groups. Cities such as Dallas and Austin have seen business owners and alliances lead the charge, recognizing the economic and social benefits.
As urban areas grow denser and the need for economic development intensifies, deck lids offer a compelling solution. They bridge communities, create safe and vibrant public spaces and unlock new opportunities for cities.
About Paula Hammond
Paula Hammond is senior vice president and national multimodal market leader, WSP in the U.S., and former chair of the American Road and Transportation Builders Association; email: paula.hammond@wsp.com.
The post Transportation Troubleshooting: From Wishful Thinking to Urban Linking: Deck Lids are Transforming Cities first appeared on Informed Infrastructure.