More than a year after its closure, the Houston Heights pedestrian bridge faces new repair delays, heightening community frustration and safety concerns.

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Popular Houston Heights pedestrian bridge repairs delayed again

More than a year after its closure, the Houston Heights pedestrian bridge faces new repair delays, heightening community frustration and safety concerns.

Author: Deevon Rahming
Published: 5:38 PM CST February 23, 2026
Updated: 5:38 PM CST February 23, 2026

HOUSTON — More than a year after a popular pedestrian bridge along the MKT Trail in the Houston Heights closed, neighbors and commuters are still waiting for it to reopen — and a new delay is adding to their frustration.

Repair work that was expected to begin this week is now on hold, according to the Texas Department of Transportation, pushing back progress on a crossing many say is essential for daily travel and recreation.

The bridge connects the MKT Trail, where it meets White Oak Bayou and Studewood Street, serving as a key link between the Heights, First Ward and downtown Houston.

“This is a big deal in terms of quality of life,” said Emmanuel Nunez, founder of the community advocacy group A Tale of Two Bridges.

Closed since early 2025

The pedestrian bridge has been closed since January 2025 after a major rain event caused construction equipment to crash into support columns beneath the structure, resulting in significant structural damage, TxDOT officials said.

Since then, handwritten messages have appeared on temporary barriers at both entrances, reflecting community frustration during the long closure.

For commuters like Martin Sanchez, the shutdown has forced daily detours that he says feel unsafe.

“I have to cross that narrow bridge right there,” Sanchez said. “Cars are going real quick.”

Trail users say alternative routes require pedestrians and cyclists to navigate tighter crossings alongside traffic, raising safety concerns.

Community impacts growing

Nunez said the closure has also changed activity around the area. With fewer people passing through, he says, conditions underneath the bridge have deteriorated.

“As you can see right under the bottom of the bridge now, people are using it to live there,” Nunez said. “This was something that never occurred before the bridge was closed.”

Advocates argue that restoring foot traffic could help improve safety and activity along the trail.

Repairs delayed while crews await equipment

TxDOT said construction was scheduled to begin Monday, but has been delayed while crews wait for the delivery of a crane needed for repairs.

In a statement, the agency said the equipment is necessary to ensure all work meets engineering and safety standards.

Once the crane arrives, officials estimate repairs will take four to six weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.

Nunez said much of the earlier delay involved permitting approvals, including coordination with the Harris County Flood Control District.

“Once repair work actually does begin, we expect that this will move very quickly,” he said.

For now, neighbors say they’re hoping the next update finally brings the long-awaited reopening closer.

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