The bridge closure is part of a $6.3 million project to improve the SH 78 intersection at Gaston Avenue, according to a news release. The pedestrian bridge closure is needed to allow for work to widen the SH 78 lanes under the Santa Fe Trail bridge.
Once construction is completed, the existing intersection will be reconfigured to provide safer turning movements and more efficient through-lanes on east- and westbound SH 78. There will also be constructed areas for pedestrians and cycling traffic to safely cross through the intersection.
The bridge is located just east of the intersection of Gaston Avenue and SH 78. A detour will be in place for trail users during the temporary closure.
There will be no public access across the pedestrian bridge during the closure, which is scheduled to last through late August. Trail users are urged to cross SH 78 in marked areas of the corridor for safety and only when it is safe to do so. Northbound SH 78 will have additional signage in place to alert drivers to yield to pedestrians in marked crossing areas.
From the north, trail users will be directed to exit the Santa Fe Trail near the crossing at Winsted Drive and go west to Gaston Avenue. Users will then follow SH 78 to the west to connect to the Santa Fe Trail. From the west, trail users will follow SH 78 to Gaston Avenue, then north to reconnect to the trail.
During construction, east- and westbound Gaston Avenue will be narrowed to one lane in each direction until further notice. Drivers should be alert to slower traffic and plan ahead for delays in this corridor, especially during peak travel times.
The overall construction project is scheduled to complete in spring 2023.
TxDOT officials said drivers should be alert to traffic shifts on east- and westbound SH 78 at the Gaston Avenue intersection. In addition, residents are advised to use caution as traffic adjusts.
Visit www.drivetexas.org for the latest road closures on this project and others.
