AUSTIN, Texas — An Austin Public Works survey to gauge the community’s thoughts on a design update for the new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over Lady Bird Lake generated positive feedback Thursday, Aug. 4.

Austin Transportation, Public Works and Parks & Recreation are in a partnership to develop the new Longhorn Dam Bridge that would merge “Butler Hike and Bike Trail at three points: Longhorn Shores, Holly Shores, and the unnamed peninsula near Holly Shores,” according to the City of Austin. Officials say the “wishbone” shaped bridge will go on for half a mile and form a north-to-south connection on the east side of the lake.

Public Works opened up the survey to Austin residents to retrieve responses regarding how well the design met its five Guiding Principles: Safety & Accessibility, Convenient Connections, Environment & Landscape, Friendly and Engaging Deck Space and Cost-Effective Structure. Fifty-nine percent of the survey respondents strongly agreed with the direction of the project.

One respondent said, "Making an inviting space where women can feel safe is important and it looks like you've accomplished that." 

Others offered up critiques for more signs and markings needed in the area, one being concerned "that the pavement markings are not going to be clear enough to differentiate spaces for moving vs. stopping."

According to the City of Austin, the project cost is $15 million, with funding from the 2020 Mobility Bond and additional aid from the city.

Construction is projected to begin in fall 2023. The wrap-up of the project is estimated to be in spring 2026.