A rendering of the Northaven bridge. Photo courtesy of the Texas Department of Transportation.

The anticipated Northaven Trail Bridge, which will have two trails connected, is on track for a late summer or early fall completion and will feature a grand opening.

The project will provide a safe connection for pedestrians and bicyclists between the White Rock Creek Trail and the Cottonwood Creek Trail. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has managed this project since its inception in 2021. The trail will run from Central Expressway to Denton Drive and connect to the White Rock Creek Trail on the east and Irving’s Campion Trail on the west. The Northaven Trail Bridge will not only be important to bike riders in the city but also makes history with the first network-tied arched bridge with the doubly-curved tie. 

The project is set to provide a safe and secure path for pedestrians and cyclists, bridging the gap between the White Rock Creek Trail and the Cottonwood Creek Trail. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has spearheaded the project since June 2021. The project will span from Central Expressway to Denton Drive, interconnecting with the White Rock Creek Trail on the east and Irving’s Campion Trail on the west. Beyond the significant and helpful structure for city cyclists, the Northaven Trail Bridge stands proudly with its own engineering victory as the first network-tied arched bridge with the doubly-curved tie. 

According to TXDOT, the bridge is one of the last projects for the overall completion and it’s expected to see about three to four weeks of engineering tie-ins before the bridge can officially open to the public. The final touches to the bridge will be finalized later this month and can expect an opening very soon. 

Standing as the project’s hallmark, the bridge arch stretches over north and southbound US 75 near Royal Lane. Spanning 201 feet in length, its highest point towers 50 feet above the bridge level. To minimize disruption to highway traffic, the bridge was pre-assembled, while other elements like the bridge columns were constructed on-site. Moving forward, a weekend closure with detour alternatives can be anticipated as the structure is transported.

This summer’s Northaven Trail Crew high school volunteers. Photo courtesy Northaven Trail Crew

The Northaven Trail Crew is a collaboration endeavor between The Flow Project and Friends of Northaven Trail. Over a span of nine weeks, high school interns worked diligently to enhance the bridge’s appearance. They planted flowers, and tackled weed removal, all while gaining insights into the ecology and prairie management. The program, funded solely by community donations, is dedicated to cultivating citizen scientists among today’s youth.

Upcoming events scheduled for next month aim to raise awareness and encourage further donations towards the new bridge and promote the project’s advancement.