Once the first Calatrava bridge is complete (expected to be October 2011), the Continental Bridge will be closed for improvement and revitalization. While this renovation is taking place, the City hopes to begin construction on a gateway project linking the refurbished Continental pedestrian bridge to the La Bajada neighborhood. City funds will be used to create a plaza on the west side of the bridge where the immediate Canada Drive portion of the roadway (TXDOT funded) will be converted to parking spaces and access/egress to the Trinity River amenities. We have been working with the City Design Studio to ensure that this pedestrian plaza and its access to the Trinity will be ADA friendly.
While the early plans for this gateway come from City Design Studio, an RFP (Request for Proposal) is expected to be issued in the fall of 2011. This proposal will take the Gateway design to the final plans level. It is hoped that the Gateway project and Continental Bridge renovation can be completed simultaneously opening in October of 2012. Thank you to City Design Studio for the renderings.
