The MKT Bridge was shut down in August 2020 after a fire caused extensive damage, according to the nonprofit Houston Parks Board, which oversaw the repairs with the city of Houston. Work was initially slated to wrap up around the fall of 2021, but that timeline was delayed when crews uncovered additional damage that was previously not apparent, Community Impact Newspaper previously reported.
After a reassessment and more reconstruction, the bridge is now ready for use once again, according to a May 26 announcement from the HPB. The bridge is being opened ahead of the updated schedule, which initially pegged reopening for around late summer.
The popular MKT Trail is a key artery in Houston's trail system, connecting the Heights to the White Oak Bayou before heading down to Sawyer Yards and the Washington Corridor area. Owned by the city of Houston, the MKT Bridge travels over White Oak Bayou just north of I-10 and to the west of Studemont Street.
A ribbon cutting is set for 10 a.m. May 27. Several local dignitaries will be in attendance, including U.S. House Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Houston City Council Member Abbie Kamin, HPB President Beth White and Bike Houston Executive Director Joe Cutrufo.
