City of Austin photo

Construction of the Long Dam Bridge is well under way.

A new $25 million wishbone-shaped bridge scheduled for completion next year is taking shape in southeast Austin, according to kvue.com.

The Longhorn Dam Bridge is expected to make it easier for Austinites to walk and drive through that area upon completion.

"I think it's going to improve accessibility to the trail. And for the folks that are commuting north-south along Pleasant Valley, it's also going to improve accessibility to the park that's right behind us," Genest Landry, the assistant director of project delivery for Capital Delivery Services with the city of Austin, told kvue.com.

The project will connect the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, Canterbury Street and the Holly Peninsula in Town Lake Metropolitan Park.

Previously, a narrow, 4-ft. wide sidewalk provided the service access for the Longhorn Dam. That made it difficult for pedestrians to get around that area safely.

Each side of the new bridge will be 230 ft. long, kvue.com reported.

The bridge's design did not originate with the city: Landry said an Austinite suggested the wishbone shape during a public meeting.

Landry told kvue.com that the bridge's construction is proceeding on time. All the underwater substructure work is in place. The city still must add two more beams, finish pouring the walkway and add finishing touches such as shade structures and planters.

In addition, the project includes building a new tunnel to connect Pleasant Valley Road to the trail on the Longhorn Shores at Town Lake Park.

"Both the tunnel and the new bridge provide a safe path for bicyclists and pedestrians that has no conflicts with vehicular traffic, so it also improves safety for vehicles," Landry told kvue.com.

The tunnel is part of the city's Art in Public Places initiative. The city hired a Houston artist to install mosaics along the tunnel.

The tunnel and the bridge will have lighting installed throughout. The city also plans to add art to the bridge, according to kvue.com.

The city of Auston is funding the project, although it received $4.1 million in federal money earmarked by U.S. Rep. Greg Casar.

(All photos courtesy of the City of Austin.)

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