Irving Today: Transit Shift, History Conference, and Safety Updates
Irving, TX — February 17, 2026 — Transit talks, a major history conference, and recent traffic crashes top today’s local headlines across Irving.
Transit withdrawal vote likely off the table
Irving’s long-running debate over leaving DART is taking a turn. After regional leaders approved a new funding plan for North Texas transit agencies, Irving officials signaled they will move to cancel a previously planned withdrawal election.
The updated package sends tens of millions in support to DART and redirects a substantial amount of sales tax revenue back to member cities for local mobility projects. Irving leaders say the arrangement addresses concerns about equity and service while keeping the door open for future improvements to routes and reliability rather than walking away from the regional system.
A formal vote to call off the election is expected at an upcoming Irving City Council meeting.
Texas historians heading to Irving
Irving is preparing to host the 130th Annual Meeting of the Texas State Historical Association in early March at the Westin Irving DFW Hotel and Conference Center. The multi-day gathering will bring together scholars, teachers, and history enthusiasts from across the state for panels, workshops, and networking focused on Texas history.
The conference is considered one of the state’s premier history events and is expected to provide a solid boost for local hotels and restaurants near the airport and along SH 114. Registration remains open, with options for full attendance and special banquet events.
Recent crashes highlight traffic safety concerns
Traffic safety is again in the spotlight after a string of recent serious crashes in and around Irving. Police reported multiple early-morning wrecks on Monday that slowed the commute near State Highway 356 and nearby connectors. At least one crash was fatal, and several people were taken into custody in connection with separate incidents.
Authorities are urging drivers to reduce speed in wet conditions, avoid distractions, and give themselves more time for morning travel, especially on freeway interchanges and construction zones. Extra patrols are expected to monitor major corridors during peak hours.
Looking ahead
Between major policy decisions on public transit, a statewide history conference, and ongoing safety enforcement on local roads, Irving residents can expect a busy late February. City meetings over the next two weeks will shape how new transit funds are used locally, while hospitality businesses prepare for an influx of visitors tied to the TSHA event.
Sources
- https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/plano-irving-signal-intent-to-call-off-withdrawal-election-after-dart-funding-vote/3983202/
- https://communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/plano/government/2026/02/13/plano-could-cancel-dart-withdrawal-election-as-funding-plan-advances/
- https://tsha.wildapricot.org/event-6295525
- https://www.wfaa.com/article/traffic/traffic-alert-irving-356-crashes-morning-commute-delays/287-dec8ccd7-984a-40f8-8be3-1f91f2660c34
- https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/several-people-arrested-1-person-killed-in-separate-irving-crashes-police-say/287-2e8e64af-0b8b-4a5b-9a8b-0b6d1e6e9b86
