Northaven Trail bridge in north Dallas opens for pedestrians, cyclists

A new bridge linking three pedestrian and cycling trails over North Central Expressway in north Dallas has opened for use, Texas Department of Transportation officials announced Nov. 13.

What you need to know

The Northaven Trail Bridge connects the Northaven Trail on the west side of North Central Expressway to the Cottonwood Creek and White Rock Creek trails on the east side. TxDOT officials previously said the arched 201-foot-long bridge will serve as a “gateway and centerpiece” for the north Dallas area while allowing greater mobility access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Construction on the $9.3 million project began in June 2021, and the bridge structure was built in spring 2023. Although the bridge is now open, users should expect possible short-term construction closures over the next few weeks, according to a TxDOT post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

What else?

Friends of the Northaven Trail, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the trail’s maintenance and support, plans to add murals to the eight columns on the bridge’s western ramp. Each mural will showcase a native plant and its natural pollinator, according to the organization’s website.

Members are fundraising for the project, which they expect to cost $65,000. Those interested can donate through the organization’s website.