Construction begins on Longhorn Dam pedestrian-bike bridge in East Austin

Construction kicks off Monday on a key bridge across East Austin.

Why it matters: Expect detours and traffic as the city remakes Longhorn Dam on the eastern end of Lady Bird Lake.

Catch up quick: That part of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail has long made for a nervy crossing point for pedestrians and cyclists — and it's been a high crash area for drivers to boot.

• The new "wishbone"-shaped pedestrian-and-bicycle bridge will span just under a half-mile with connections to the hike-and-bike trail.
• The project also will update the pedestrian underpass running underneath South Pleasant Valley Road, adding lights to illuminate the tunnel.

What's happening: Fencing will be installed Monday around the planned construction areas of Canterbury Park, Longhorn Shores, and Krieg Fields.

• The public will still have full access to Krieg Fields during construction.
• Longhorn Shores will be closed to the public.
• The tunnel from Krieg Fields under Pleasant Valley Road will be closed to the public.

What's next: Starting July 8, Canterbury Street will be closed to eastbound traffic.

• Canterbury Park's parking lot will be closed to the public.
• The unnamed peninsula beginning near Holly Street will be closed to the public.

And in two weeks, starting July 15, detours will begin on the hike-and-bike trail.

• Trail users will be rerouted northbound along the east side of Pleasant Valley Road.
• The detour will continue westbound along Canterbury Street and then southbound down Pedernales and Holly Streets.
• The detour is expected to last for 18 months.

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