In a win for Houston’s walkers and cyclists, city leaders have greenlit a game-changing bridge designed to make it easier—and safer—to get around one of the area’s busiest thoroughfares.
Plans for a path and bridge over the West Loop near Buffalo Bayou, between Post Oak Boulevard and Woodway Drive, have been officially approved.
“This item is improving critical connectivity for residents visiting Memorial Park to the Uptown neighborhood, the Arboretum and more,” Councilmember Joe Panzarella of District C said at the city council meeting. “This project will install a safe hike and bike bridge over the bayou connecting existing trails and infrastructure.”
City leaders unanimously approved an agreement with Uptown Development Authority and Reinvestment Zone No. 16 for design and construction of the West Loop Shared Use Pathway and Bridge Project. The city has not yet said when construction could start or finish.
“This is an amazing project and one that highlights what a lot of Houstonians are asking for, which is better connectivity and better mobility throughout the city,” Panzarella said.
Panzarella said the bridge is great news, but smaller improvements are still needed across the city to support mobility and resident safety.
“While this project is fundamental and really big and flashy, what’s equally important are local neighborhood connectors as well,” Panzarella said, pointing to a need for wider sidewalks and bike facilities citywide.