Construction to start Nov. 1 on MKT Trail extension in the Heights

Work is slated to begin Nov. 1 on the first of two phases for a project connecting the MKT Trail to the White Oak Trail in the Heights.

Dubbed the MKT Spur Connector, the $1.1 million project will entail the creation of an 850-foot-long, 10-foot-wide reinforced concrete path connecting two existing trail pieces. From the existing MKT Trail, the new extension will travel east—over a White Oak Bayou tributary and under Studewood Street—before connecting the existing White Oak Trail.

Retaining walls with railings will be built along portions of the new trail. The project also involves the installation of 1,084 feet of storm sewer system, according to project officials.

The first phase involves dirt work, the construction of retaining walls and the construction of the drainage culvert over the White Oak Bayou tributary. That phase will run through next spring.

The second phase, which involves the pouring of the concrete for the trail, is slated to finish by April 7.

The project is funded by the city of Houston and will be carried out by Teamwork Construction Services Inc. Construction is expected to take place between 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays. More information can be found online.

A separate project to repair the MKT Bridge, which was damaged during a 2019 fire, is still underway, according to officials with the Houston Parks Board. Engineers are currently working on plans to address additional damage that was uncovered this summer, which will have to be reviewed by the Harris County Flood Control District and city of Houston. Once approved, construction can begin on those efforts.