New Federal Funds Make Way For East Austin’s Unique ‘Wishbone’ Bridge Over Lady Bird Lake

Austin, Texas— April 10, 2024

After facing increased costs on the long-awaited pedestrian bridge at the eastern edge of Austin’s favorite trail, the city has now sources a $4 million federal fund. This crucial financial support will not only cover the budget deficit but will also enable the city to commence contracting builders for the $25 million project on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail.

The ‘Wishbone’ Bridge in Detail

The remarkably designed three-pronged bridge will bridge Longhorn Shores, Canterbury Park, and an anonymous peninsula in Lady Bird Lake— making this unique wishbone-shaped bridge the first-ever in Austin. At its center, the bridge will flaunt a 76-foot-wide plaza complete with benches, bike racks, ornamental trees, and shade structures.

Public Art and Pedestrian Tunnel

The plaza will also hold public art installations by Dixie Friend Gay; the Houston artist reaps fame for her installations at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Sam Houston State University, and the Port of Miami. Moreover, a 6-foot-wide pedestrian tunnel under Pleasant Valley Road will be substituted with a larger, 30-foot-wide tunnel designed with better lighting, a 16-foot-wide sidewalk, and a higher, arched ceiling.

The project’s initial cost, estimated in 2019, was less than $13 million. However, surging expenses and an increased scope, including more sidewalk enhancements, propelled the budget higher. The federal grant of $4.1 million that plugs the funding gap was secured with the assistance of U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, who served as a City Council member during the 2018 project conception.

Anticipated Popularity of the Bridge

According to U.S. Rep Greg Casar, the bridge is expected to not only match but surpass the beauty of any other bridge in the city. Due to its novelty and stunning design, the bridge is anticipated to attract millions of visitors and locals each year. It is seemingly set to become a popular site for proposing and playing live music. The funding for the bridge was secured last year through a process known as Community Project Funding, intended to ensure transparency while Congress members direct money to their authentic projects.

The 10-mile Butler Track that surrounds Lady Bird Lake is used by more than 5 million people a year, as reported by the Trail Conservancy. Despite its popularity, the trail’s eastern end has long echoed the city’s historical disregard for East Austin.

Enhancing Safety and Convenience

To resolve this safety concern, Austin’s Transportation and Public Works Director Richard Mendoza acknowledged the need for significant improvements. The newly planned bridge will ensure that pedestrians and cyclists are kept safe from traffic.

“It has not been the safest environment,” Mendoza reported to KUT News. ”We’ve done some mitigating improvements, but it’s really not the permanent solution.”

The project aims to start this year and is expected to conclude by 2026.