Texas Bicycling News May 27th 2022
Pivotal Heights-area bridge long closed reopens to walkers and bikers
By Steven Devadanam | houston.culturemap.com
A vital and long-unused bridge in a buzzing Houston neighborhood is set to reopen.
The M-K-T Bridge, located in The Heights near White Oak Bayou, will be accessible to users on Friday, May 27, the Houston Parks Board announced. A key artery for walkers and joggers, the bridge spans over the bayou at I-10 near Studemont Street. Out of use since it was significantly damaged by a fire in August 2020, the bridge reopens after repairs began in March.
This reopening is actually ahead of schedule, as the bridge was set to open this summer, as CultureMap previously reported. It provides a pivotal outlet for those who use the M-K-T Trail, which connects The Heights to Sawyer Yards and the Washington Avenue Corridor area.
To celebrate the reopening, a …
I-35 Capital Express South Project is Approved for Construction
www.txdot.gov
The Texas Transportation Commission has approved a $547.6 million contract to build the I-35 Capital Express South project. The project will add two high-occupancy-vehicle lanes in each direction along I-35 from SH 71/Ben White Boulevard to SH 45 Southeast. In addition to the new capacity, the project will also construct intersection bypass lanes and improve pedestrian and bicycle paths. Fluor Corporation was awarded the construction contract.
The Commission also approved a $3.5 million contract to extend the pedestrian barrier along I-35. The barrier is designed to deter pedestrians from trying to cross the interstate and instead use crosswalks for pedestrian access. Once complete, the pedestrian barrier will extend along 25 miles of I-35 from SH 45 Southeast to Greenlawn Boulevard in Round Rock. …
Reopening of M-K-T Bridge celebrated as crucial recreational, mobility win
Dug Begley | www.houstonchronicle.com
Two blocks north of White Oak Bayou, Billy Pyle, 26, was still smiling about his first trip across the M-K-T Trail bike bridge.
“Hello, old friend,” Pyle said between catching his breath at mile 16 of his Friday morning ride.
The bridge, spanning White Oak Bayou near where the Heights Hike and Bike Trail and M-K-T Trail converge, reopened Friday — 646 days after a fire closed the critical trail link.
“It’s been two years, but it feels good to be out here, Mayor Sylvester Turner said during a late-morning celebration.
Riders and runners, however, did not …
Texas Biking from Twitter
SUMMER SERIES????????????
— STORM (@STORM_MTB) May 27, 2022
Posted @withregram • @mtbsanantonio SAKOB Summer Series at McAllister Park
Proceeds go to support San Antonio Kids On Bikes (SAKOB), a 501c3 nonprofit. pic.twitter.com/sTrtmIKnJc
The #DestinationTrail along the Columbia Tap and Brays Bayou Trails can be a dedicated path that is safe for everyone to go to at all hours of the day and night. Join the conversation at our Open House on 5/31 @ Emancipation Park, 6-7:30 p.m.
— Harris County Toll Road Authority (@HCTRA) May 27, 2022
More info: https://t.co/DDCjNsu7TK pic.twitter.com/Ln60Ug5hOB
We’re at the reopening of the MKT Bridge with @SylvesterTurner @houparksboard @AbbieKamin @salliealcorn @HouPublicWorks and many more! pic.twitter.com/zbB7xEDcTH
— BikeHouston (@BikeHouston) May 27, 2022
Last ride of #GrammyAndPopPreschool from #HousePark down #ShoalCreekTrail The baby ducks (4 out of the original 8 ????) are getting big at auditorium shores #ATX pic.twitter.com/qAiNagyBbu
— Martin Russell ????????????? (@russell_dallas) May 27, 2022
It's been a long week. Take a short break and tell us where you're headed this summer. Here are a few photos of Greg Kinskey and Marla Davis' on their recent trip to Mt. Lemmon! pic.twitter.com/3dXVzjzUWz
— Violet Crown (@VioletCrownATX) May 27, 2022
??????????????????@HCTRA's New Plan to Create Additional Trailways
— TAG Houston (@TAGHouston) May 27, 2022
The Harris County Commissioners Court recently approved an initial $53 million for Harris County Toll Road Authority’s “Tollways to Trailways” plan. #transportation #mobility #trails
Learn more: https://t.co/XJpLSjpPqt pic.twitter.com/pZjyqkoGuT
Good news for folks in the Heights as the MKT bridge reopens, providing needed connections for walkers and cyclists. The repurposed railroad bridge had been out of commission due to a fire. #hounews pic.twitter.com/rRonVgY2on
— Gail Delaughter (@Gail_HPM) May 27, 2022
First time crossing this bridge since August of 2020. So great to have it back online — and can’t wait for the City to complete the MKT Connector. #Connectivity pic.twitter.com/nlK1d3Po5T
— BikeHouston (@BikeHouston) May 27, 2022
The MKT Bridge, closed for nearly 650 days after sustaining fire damage in August 2020, reopened today. It’s already getting good use from happy Heights-area residents. #FollowTheLeader pic.twitter.com/HTl0QMsRUL
— Adam Zuvanich (@AZuvanich) May 27, 2022
Look at all these happy cyclists on the MKT Bridge! Thank you @HouParksBoard, Mayor @SylvesterTurner, @AbbieKamin, et all ?? #HouHeights pic.twitter.com/Kf1VrirCyq
— Houston Heights (@HoustonHeights) May 27, 2022
Houston bikers rejoice! The MKT Bridge re-opens TODAY! Ahead of schedule, but still long overdue. Ribbon cutting ceremony at 10am if you want to be there for the big eventhttps://t.co/anSowmDkO1
— Houston BCycle (@HoustonBCycle) May 27, 2022
New Events Added to Texbiker.net Calendar
New Event FWBA Green Demon – Crowley, TX May 29, 2022 at 08:00AM https://t.co/3IhozVR1G5
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) May 28, 2022
New Event Tour de Southern Walnut Creek Trail – Austin, TX May 31, 2022 at 08:00AM https://t.co/MWP40qTic4
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) May 28, 2022
New Event Level Up MTB – Bootcamp – McKinney, TX July 9, 2022 at 09:00AM https://t.co/PWUiwRb2iE
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) May 28, 2022
New Event Level Up MTB – Bootcamp – McKinney, TX June 25, 2022 at 09:00AM https://t.co/XnkQ7nS9hf
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) May 28, 2022
New Event Level Up MTB – Bootcamp – McKinney, TX August 20, 2022 at 09:00AM https://t.co/Gg9I4kB6NO
— Rick Ankrum (@texbiker) May 28, 2022