Austin Progresses on Wishbone Bridge at Longhorn Dam

News Summary

A new wishbone-shaped bridge is under construction at Longhorn Dam in Austin, enhancing connectivity and safety for pedestrians and cyclists. With a total cost of $25 million, the project began in July 2024 and is expected to be completed by summer 2026. The bridge will link key areas and improve overall accessibility, addressing safety concerns posed by the prior narrow sidewalk. Additionally, community engagement plays a crucial role in the project, featuring elements from local artists. Expected completion brings anticipation of better pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Austin Progresses on Wishbone Bridge at Longhorn Dam

What Happened

A new wishbone-shaped bridge is currently under construction in southeast Austin, aimed at enhancing safety and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists in the area. The Longhorn Dam Bridge construction began in July 2024, with an expected completion date of early spring or summer 2026. The total project cost is estimated at $25 million.

Who Is Affected

The bridge will serve as a vital link between the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, Canterbury Street, and the Holly Peninsula situated within the Town Lake Metropolitan Park. Previously, a narrow, 4-foot-wide sidewalk was the only access to the Longhorn Dam, which posed significant safety risks to pedestrians. The completion of the new bridge is expected to improve accessibility and overall safety for both pedestrians and cyclists along Pleasant Valley Road.

Key Features of the Bridge

The new bridge will be 230 feet long on each side, roughly equivalent to the length of a standard football field. It has been designed to be an average of 26 feet wide with a central plaza section extending to 65 feet in width. This design enhances the usability by creating spacious and safe pathways. In addition to the bridge, a new tunnel will provide a safe route connecting Pleasant Valley Road to the Longhorn Shores trail, separating pedestrian and cyclist traffic from vehicle flow.

Community Engagement and Art Initiatives

The design for the bridge concept originated from an Austin resident during a public input meeting. This aspect of community involvement is central to the project. The tunnel construction is part of the city’s Art in Public Places initiative, with artistic mosaics being installed by a Houston artist to enrich the environment and experience for commuters. Enhancements such as new lighting will be integrated throughout both the bridge and tunnel, boosting safety and aesthetics.

Funding and Economic Aspects

Funding for the Longhorn Dam Bridge is multifaceted, incorporating city funds alongside a significant $4.1 million federal earmark provided by Congressman Greg Casar. This allocation underlines the project’s importance not only at a local level but also from federal perspectives.

Maintenance and Infrastructure Impact

In tandem with the bridge construction, maintenance and repairs to the Longhorn Dam are being performed to minimize disruption in the area. These efforts are anticipated to conclude by fall 2025. Consequently, road closures and detours have been implemented in East Austin due to ongoing construction, with plans to lift these detours by fall 2025, ensuring minimal inconvenience to residents and travelers.

Current Status of Construction

As of now, construction progress includes the installation of caps on columns to support the bridge’s beams, marking a significant milestone in the construction timeline.

What’s Next

As the project continues to evolve, more updates are expected to be provided, particularly as construction advances towards the anticipated completion date in spring/summer of 2026. The local community is poised to benefit greatly from the added infrastructure aimed at improving pedestrian and cyclist safety in the area.

The Longhorn Dam Bridge represents a significant investment in Austin’s infrastructure, blending functionality with artistic community engagement, while enhancing connectivity in this bustling region of the city.

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Additional Resources

• KVUE News
• Wikipedia: Longhorn Dam
• Community Impact
• Google Search: Wishbone Bridge Austin
• Austin American-Statesman
• Google Scholar: Longhorn Dam Bridge Austin
• FOX 7 Austin
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Longhorn Dam
• CBS Austin
• Google News: Longhorn Dam Austin