Longhorn Dam Multimodal Improvements Project Update

July 2025

Construction continues on the Longhorn Dam Multimodal Improvements project. This project will provide a new wishbone-shaped bicycle and pedestrian bridge to connect the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and a new underpass beneath South Pleasant Valley Road for pedestrians and bikers. Substantial completion for the project is expected in December.

Completed Tasks:

• Eleven of the twelve bridge deck spans are completed. A bridge deck span is the distance between supports in a bridge structure, specifically the space between two piers or abutments. The final bridge deck span will be installed the first week of August.
• One of the three below-deck planters is completed. The below-deck planters will house plants that will surround the plaza of the wishbone-shaped bridge. The other two below-deck planters will be completed by September.
• A camping deterrent was installed near the section of the bridge connecting to the Holly Peninsula.
• Pedestrian sidewalks east of the underpass are complete.

Ongoing Tasks:

• Grouted flagstone is nearing completion and will be fully installed in the drainage ways of the underpass under South Pleasant Valley Road by the first week of August.

• Handrails along the bridge are 65% completed.
• Installation of the permanent irrigation system along the bridge and plaza is 25% complete.
• Future trees being planted in the area surrounding the project will be selected from the nursery in August.
• Columns for the pergola above the plaza of the bridge will be set in September.
• Fabrication of the ceramic mosaic tile artwork in the underpass is scheduled for completion this fall.

Aerial view of the new underpass under South Pleasant Valley Road and the pathways that will connect to the adjacent walking trails.

Installation of the final bridge deck span.

Aerial view of the construction of the future trail head at Canterbury Shores.

Construction Impacts:

• The current pedestrian detour and traffic plan on South Pleasant Valley Road will be in place through the completion of the Longhorn Dam Safety Improvements project. All three vehicle lanes on South Pleasant Valley Road, as well as the sidewalks on each side of the street, will re-open upon completion of the Longhorn Dam Safety Improvements project this fall.

Reminders:

• The construction site is for authorized personnel only. 
• City of Austin permitted construction hours are:​
  •    Monday - Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.  ​
  •    Saturday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
  •    Note: Monday - Friday: Construction workers and trucks arrive around 7 a.m. to begin working at 7:30 a.m.​

For more information, please contact:

Robert Allen, Public Information Specialist
Robert.Allen@AustinTexas.gov

Laurie Thering, Project Manager
Laurie.Thering@AustinTexas.gov
 

Visit us online at AustinTexas.gov/LonghornDamMultimodalImprovements