CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Some changes could be coming to designs for an expanded Oso Creek Bridge, also known as the Mud Bridge, on Yorktown Boulevard.
The planned bridge is four lanes and the Texas Department of Transportation asked the City of Corpus Christi to consider adding sidewalks to both sides.
The amendment to the project will go to Corpus Christi City Council on Tuesday. If approved, it would add two eight-foot sidewalk paths to the design.
"This allows, you know, a safe bridge crossing for bicycles and pedestrians," said Gabriel Hinojosa, Assistant Director of Corpus Christi Public Works.
The Mud Bridge is currently two lanes. When it is expanded to four, new sidewalks would be part of a two-million-dollar addition to the project's cost, which the City of Corpus Christi would pay for from its Storm Water budget.
Hinojosa explained how the project could be completed once it begins.
"They'll work on half the bridge, so two lanes probably and one of those eight-foot sidewalks, and then switch over to the other side. Just to keep traffic going across the bridge," Hinojosa said.
The new Mud Bridge was originally supposed to cost $20 million, which Hinojosa said would be paid for by TxDOT. The city would contribute the additional money needed for sidewalk paths on both sides.
Hinojosa said the new plan ties into the city's vision for Yorktown Boulevard, with plans to expand it to four lanes from Rodd Field Road to the Mud Bridge.
"This'll just continue, kind of, that vision of pedestrian and bicycle traffic on either side of Yorktown in that section," Hinojosa said.
These potential pedestrian-friendly additions come as new schools are built nearby. There are also new stoplights being added in the area on Yorktown Boulevard.
Hinojosa said TxDOT plans to put the project out for bid in 2025.
"Going forward, probably maybe construction starting late 2025, early '26," Hinojosa said.
Hinojosa added that the project could take up to two years to complete once construction begins.