Austin’s Wishbone Bridge and Unity Underpass Opens with Community Celebration on February 7
A long-awaited milestone for Austin’s trail system is finally here. On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the city will officially open the Wishbone Bridge and Unity Underpass—two visionary projects that complete the final major gap in the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loop around Lady Bird Lake.
The event begins at 10 a.m. near Longhorn Dam (115 S Pleasant Valley Road) with remarks from local elected officials and City of Austin staff. At 10:30 a.m., the celebration continues with a community gathering inviting residents to walk, bike, and explore the new bridge, underpass, and surrounding trail connections.
These transformative projects were made possible by the voter-approved 2020 Mobility Bond and years of collaboration between the City of Austin’s Transportation and Public Works Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and Capital Delivery Services.
Bridging a Community Together
The new Wishbone Bridge—a striking Y-shaped pedestrian and bicycle structure—spans the east side of Lady Bird Lake, linking Longhorn Shores, Canterbury, and the Holly Peninsula within Town Lake Metropolitan Park. At the center of the bridge is a 65-foot-wide plaza designed as a gathering space with scenic lake views.
Shaped by community input, the bridge offers a safer and more scenic alternative to the narrow sidewalk on Pleasant Valley Road. The surrounding design also includes 14 custom-designed Maraca Benches, created by Austin-based Lemmo Architecture and Design and fabricated by Harvest Lumber Co. These benches honor the area’s Hispanic roots and cultural heritage.
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Adjacent to the bridge is the Unity Underpass—a newly constructed 30-foot-wide tunnel under Pleasant Valley Road. Inside, visitors will find Absolute Equality: Unity Tunnel, a 130-foot mosaic artwork by Houston-based artist Reginald Adams. The public art installation was created with contributions from more than 200 local community members and features a blend of glass, porcelain tile, ceramic, limestone, and vibrant acrylic paint.
Together, the Wishbone Bridge and Unity Underpass enhance safety, mobility, and public access to nature while highlighting Austin’s values of inclusion, art, and multimodal transportation.
Make a Wishbone Celebration & Ride
To kick off the festivities, Ghisallo Cycling Initiative is hosting a special community bike ride to the celebration. Riders will meet at 9 a.m. at 818 Nile Street (behind the Conley-Guerrero Senior Center) for a group ride along the Boggy Creek Trail, with a stop at Mendez Rec Center to pick up youth riders before arriving at the bridge.
The ride is open to all ages and abilities. Ghisallo is providing recumbent trikes, standard bikes, and helmets for anyone in need. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle. Those interested can RSVP via the online form or email Derek.Hansen@ghisallo.org for more details.
Supported by Get There ATX, the ride promotes Austin’s citywide efforts to expand access to safe, sustainable transportation options and encourage alternative travel choices for residents of all ages.
A Vision Years in the Making
Planning for the bridge began in 2018 after the city identified the need for a safer connection across Lady Bird Lake near Longhorn Dam. Community engagement shaped the wishbone bridge design, which began construction in July 2024.
Now, with the final gap in the Butler Trail loop officially closed, Austinites will enjoy uninterrupted access to one of the city’s most beloved urban outdoor spaces.
The opening of the Wishbone Bridge and Unity Underpass marks not just the completion of a long-term infrastructure project, but a meaningful investment in community, equity, and Austin’s vibrant outdoor culture.
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Event Details at a Glance
- Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
- Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Location: 115 S Pleasant Valley Road, near Longhorn Dam
- Features:
- Grand opening ceremony with city leaders
- Explore the new Wishbone Bridge and Unity Underpass
- Public art installation by Reginald Adams
- Community gathering with live exploration of the trail connections
- Ghisallo community ride arriving by 10:30 a.m.
Whether you walk, bike, or roll, all Austinites are encouraged to come out and be part of this special day on the trail.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.