Austin's new wishbone bridge nears completion, offers scenic path for runners, walkers, cyclists

AUSTIN (KXAN) — After years of planning and two years of construction, a new pathway for runners, walkers, and cyclists will soon open in Austin.

The city says work on the wishbone-shaped bridge that sits over Lady Bird Lake near Longhorn Dam is nearing completion.

The city’s work has been shrouded by fences for about two years. Now, passersby are glimpsing what was behind the curtains.

Work on the boardwalk is expected to wrap up by the end of the year.

According to the City of Austin’s Capital Delivery Services Department, there are plans for a public celebration in early January.

“There’s going to be some cleanup that needs to happen,” said Genest Landry, Assistant Director with Austin Capital Delivery Services. “We still have landscaping, lighting, and amenities on the bridge itself.”

When the boardwalk opens, visitors can walk through a shaded plaza filled with plants, benches, and scenic views of the sunrise and sunset.

Safety is a major focus of the project, according to the city.

“What this project will do is provide safe passage across Lady Bird Lake and connect the north and south shores of the park via a pedestrian and bicycle bridge that are completely separated from traffic,” Landry said.

The project also includes a tunnel that runs under Pleasant Valley Road, allowing people to avoid crossing through heavy traffic. It’s designed to handle flooding events as well.

Previous coverage: Construction of the wishbone bridge

“Before this project started, we had an existing tunnel that was about seven feet tall and five feet wide, with very poor lighting. It would frequently flood, just uncomfortable conditions,” Landry said.

Children and community members helped inspire the tunnel’s new design.

“There’s going to be a mosaic mural along the walls of the underpass,” Landry said. “It’s a great piece of community artwork. Many folks participated in workshops where they traced their hands and those handprints will be displayed at the tunnel’s entrance.”

Austin voters funded the project through the city’s 2020 Mobility Bond, at a total cost of about $22 million.

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