“Wishbone” Pedestrian Bridge Over Lady Bird Lake Gets Green Light from City of Austin

Austin, Texas- City Council Approves $22.8 Million Contract

The Austin City Council has unanimously approved a $22.8 million contract to construct a long-awaited pedestrian bridge over Lady Bird Lake in East Austin. The agreement authorization comes following the recent allocation of federal funds to the project.

The bridge, whose unique wishbone design has become a distinct feature, will extend over a half-mile, linking Longhorn Shores, Canterbury Park, and a peninsula near Holly Shores. The structure will integrate into the revered Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and feature a 76-foot wide plaza suspended above the lake, equipped with benches, bike racks, and native trees.

A Resolution to Safety Concerns

Initiated in 2018, this $25 million infrastructure project was a solution to increasing safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists using the Pleasant Valley Road bridge. The current bridge, with minimal sidewalk space and three lanes for traffic, spans over Longhorn Dam and posed significant safety risks to non-motorized users. With the financial clearance, the construction of the safer, more accessible pedestrian bridge is now set to commence.

The total financial package of the contract consists of a $20.7 million baseline and a slightly above $2 million contingency. Concerns arose as cost estimates escalated over time, with initial expectations for the “wishbone” bridge being a mere $12.9 million. Local voters had given the nod for a transportation bond proposition of $20 million in 2020, but subsequent rise in costs demanded additional funding. Thankfully, a recent federal grant award of $4.1 million filled in this financial gap, making the project feasible.

Upgrades and Infrastructure Improvements

Not only will the new bridge enhance safety and accessibility, but additional project features will remarkably upgrade pedestrian circulation. The present 6-foot-wide pedestrian tunnel under Pleasant Valley Road will be replaced with a 30-foot-wide tunnel, equipped with lighting and a more accessible sidewalk.

Following a careful selection process, Jay-Reese Contractors Inc., a Dripping Springs-based company, was recommended by the city staff. The company emerged as top pick from a competitive bid process involving two other contenders. Jay-Reese offered the lowest bid, bringing down the overall cost from other high-value proposals submitted.

Towards a Safer, Connected Austin

With the official clearance, project construction can begin as early as this winter, with an expected duration of two years. Come winter 2026, Austin residents can look forward to a safer, more connected city.

Future City

The vision for a connected, pedestrian-friendly city gets a significant boost with this project approval. Project updates can be found on the city’s official website, keeping the public informed.