Buffalo Bayou Master Plan

[TheNiche]

Isn't this the exact same spot where the old Southern Pacific bridge was located?

I can confirm, you are correct.

[RedScare]

That old wooden railroad trestle was taken out about 10 years ago. It seems likely that even if it was still there, re-habbing an old wooden railroad trestle into a bike and pedestrian bridge (and then continuing the maintenance on an old wooden railroad trestle) would cost more than building this new structure. Especially when one considers the ingress/egress points provided by the new bridge vs. what would have been provided by the old railroad trestle.

You mean like they just did with the railroad trestles over White Oak Bayou and Studewood for the Heights bike trail?

[mfastx]

My guess is that they removed the abandoned bridge before they knew they were going to build anything else there.

[Houston19514]

On 10/20/2010 at 11:48 AM, RedScare said:

You mean like they just did with the railroad trestles over White Oak Bayou and Studewood for the Heights bike trail?

Yes, exactly like that. Oh except for the salient differences already mentioned in my post: (1) those bridges had not been removed 10 years beforehand. And (2) those bridges provided the exact path and exact Ingres and egress points desired for the bike path.

Edited July 6, 2020 by Houston19514

[skwatra]

From today, looking north from the Allen Parkway side

[LTAWACS]

I see it all the time when going home. It's quite dull I must say.

[Highway6]

I disagree. It's better than the twisty design they previously had.

It's going to be quite pleasant, when its done, jogging through the tree tops.

[Porchman]

I disagree. It's better than the twisty design they previously had.

It's going to be quite pleasant, when its done, jogging through the tree tops.

Agreed. The design is that of a park-like bridge like the number of bridges on the lower trails around it. The subtle ramps and curves are complement to the bayou. It's peaceful.

There was a fight to keep Buffalo Bayou natural. This bridge pays homage to those who fought to preserve it in its natural state.

Edited November 12, 2010 by Porchman

[skwatra]

agree, its going to fit right in and keep the natural feel. I love being able to bike/walk around there and escape the city.

[Highway6]

While I like the rusted steel, we all know they're gonna paint it.

Anyone know what color it will be painted or care to make a guess ?

While i agree with both of you that the design is a natural fit with the bayou, I wouldn't mind seeing a vibrant color chosen.

It would be an unexpected surprise in our city of neutral colors. I'm rooting for Canary Yellow.

[JJVilla]

While I like the rusted steel, we all know they're gonna paint it.

Anyone know what color it will be painted or care to make a guess ?

While i agree with both of you that the design is a natural fit with the bayou, I wouldn't mind seeing a vibrant color chosen.

It would be an unexpected surprise in our city of neutral colors. I'm rooting for Canary Yellow.

Orange would be my vote.

[kdog08]

Anyone know when we can use it?

[HTX]

Anyone know when we can use it?

I seem to remember January being the opening date but don't remember where I heard that. What ever color they paint it it will be a welcome addition.

[jmontrose]

What's the schedule for opening. It seems stalled.

[Houston19514]

What's the schedule for opening. It seems stalled.

I think the dedication/official opening is scheduled for something like February 15.

[talltexan83]

It would have been nice to unveil it during the Houston Marathon weekend. oh well. It will be a great addition for the runners/bikers/dog walkers in the area.

[htownproud]

i saw they have put in some strange statues over on the Allen Parkway side--they looked pretty interesting at night. i would say that overall i do not like the way the interial railing looks. until you get very close to it, it appears as if they just put giant pieces of sheet metal all along the side of it. that said, chicken wire would have looked like garbage too, so maybe this is the bets they could do.

[Highway6]

i saw the statues this weekend too. They're not bad for public art.

The sidewalk and access improvements are really nice - You can now get from Spotts Park and the N bound side of Studemont to the Buffalo Bayou Trail. There is also a new ramp going from Sawyer St around the southern edge of Glenwood cemetary to the trail.

There's still lots of work to go though. I look forward to the day the whole trail system there is hardtop - at least asphalt. - The stretch under Memorial is still terrible - Hopefully that will eventually get paved, lighted and landscaped.

[RedScare]

Here's a photo of the bridge. Look closely at the section over the bayou for the aforementioned sheet metal.

[Highway6]

oh yeah.. and i think the bridges look great...simple and beautiful... much much better than that twisty crap we were gonna be stuck with.

[fatesdisastr]

I like the color of it come autumn it will look awesome with the leaves changing.

[barracuda]

i saw they have put in some strange statues over on the Allen Parkway side--they looked pretty interesting at night. i would say that overall i do not like the way the interial railing looks. until you get very close to it, it appears as if they just put giant pieces of sheet metal all along the side of it. that said, chicken wire would have looked like garbage too, so maybe this is the bets they could do.

I'm all for the new statues....the few random pieces of outdoor art are part of what I like about this park.

[fatesdisastr]

Can anyone take pictures of the statues that are being mentioned? I am curious as to what they added and where. Haven't been able to make it down that way in some time =/

[JamesL]

There's still lots of work to go though. I look forward to the day the whole trail system there is hardtop - at least asphalt. - The stretch under Memorial is still terrible - Hopefully that will eventually get paved, lighted and landscaped.

3,000 feet of new trail this summer and more work starting in fall.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/7425998.html

[fatesdisastr]

3,000 feet of new trail this summer and more work starting in fall.

http://www.chron.com...an/7425998.html

This is an awesome article. Makes me really excited for the future of Houston. I hope it all works out exactly as it is layed out.

[fatesdisastr]

Houston parks really ought to have Misting Stations. Hit the button and get 30 seconds of mist, especially for those really hot humid days. Just a thought lol

[Highway6]

This is an awesome article. Makes me really excited for the future of Houston. I hope it all works out exactly as it is layed out.

I agree. Awesome. I had no idea the funding was in place to realize that much in the near future.

3 more bridges plus rebuilding the entire trail system plus bringing the Sabine area blue/white lights along the entire stretch to Shepherd... Boom Boom Pow !!!!!

Concerning the sculptures:

From the artist's website - http://www.jaumeplensa.com/

This is another installation, but our half dozen statues are similar to this.

[shasta]

Houston parks really ought to have Misting Stations. Hit the button and get 30 seconds of mist, especially for those really hot humid days. Just a thought lol

Those would actually make it more humid. Misting Stations work best in hot arid cities like Vegas or Phoenix which is lacking moisture. They should add col air station to simulate a cool breeze on a hot humid day.

Edited February 15, 2011 by shasta

[ricco67]

Houston parks really ought to have Misting Stations. Hit the button and get 30 seconds of mist, especially for those really hot humid days. Just a thought lol

Those would actually make it more humid. Misting Stations work best in hot arid cities like Vegas or Phoenix which is lacking moisture. They should add col air station to simulate a cool breeze on a hot humid day.

I'm not entirely sure, but in the way FD is proposing it would make a great deal of sense for those that are working out or simply waiting for a cool spot for a rest/cool down.

[DrLan34]

I'm not entirely sure, but in the way FD is proposing it would make a great deal of sense for those that are working out or simply waiting for a cool spot for a rest/cool down.

maybe they could add them at the train stations too

[ricco67]

maybe they could add them at the train stations too

In that case, I don't think it would work very well, there would be some people that would be misted that don't want to be. There is a system that is used in a number of bus stops that bring the temperature down, but I can't think off hand how its done and haven't found any info on google for any specifics.

[htownproud]

i do like the part about the bikers getting a seperate lane. i run there every other day and can't stand them--part of the reason why I'm not wild about the additional concrete paths they are putting in (before you jump on me--i recognize that they have the right to be there too). i hope that the construction and rerouting of the bayou doesn't affect all the rabbits that live along the bayou--seeing them is one of the best parts about running down there in the early morning.

[htownproud]

incidentally, the picture in the chronicle shows the sheet metal affect i was talking about well.

[Highway6]

Chron article mentions a dedication ceremony today. Is the bridge now open? I know it wasn't on saturday.

[ricco67]

incidentally, the picture in the chronicle shows the sheet metal affect i was talking about well.

I was noting that as well, I was hoping that was just part of the construction and will be removed. The only other reason why I think it would be there is to keep small children, dogs, and idiots from falling off to the side.

If that was the case, a more appealing solution could have been done.

[Highway6]

I'm not sure why everyone keeps referring to it as sheet metal.

Its a railing/guardrail system made up of thin tubing and it looks just fine.

[RedScare]

I'm not sure why everyone keeps referring to it as sheet metal.

Its a railing/guardrail system made up of thin tubing and it looks just fine.

Looks just fine to me, too. And, yes, City code requires that openings in railings be small enough that small children cannot get through...3 or 4 inches, I believe.

[fatesdisastr]

Those would actually make it more humid. Misting Stations work best in hot arid cities like Vegas or Phoenix which is lacking moisture. They should add col air station to simulate a cool breeze on a hot humid day.

I dont understand how it would make it more humid. The human body releases sweat to cool down the body, so why would an artificial "sweat" such as a misting station not be a great idea for jogging/walking trails and parks. Events that do have misting stations during the summer are huge hits. They really don't use a great deal of water, can't be any more than a water fountain. Especially if they were created like a push sink knob where it is activated for a certain amount of time.

I don't know, I think it would be awesome. lol

Entrepreneurs, get on it!

[innerloop]

I dont understand how it would make it more humid. The human body releases sweat to cool down the body, so why would an artificial "sweat" such as a misting station not be a great idea for jogging/walking trails and parks. Events that do have misting stations during the summer are huge hits. They really don't use a great deal of water, can't be any more than a water fountain. Especially if they were created like a push sink knob where it is activated for a certain amount of time.

I don't know, I think it would be awesome. lol

Entrepreneurs, get on it!

It's more a matter of how misting is used in Houston vs. drier climates. In a dry climate, a misting system works through evaporitive cooling. As the mist of water is dispersed above where people are, the water mist evaporates in the air and in doing so absorbs heat energy out of the air (energy is needed to convert the water from a liquid to a gas) so the resulting air is cooler than it would have been. It is also more humid because it now contains all of that evaporated water. But that's usually not a big deal in a drier climate like California or Vegas.

But in Houston where the humidity is pretty much saturated, misters work because they blow cool water on you. Like a previous poster said, that additional water would act like artificial sweat so you'd also have a little bit of extra cooling at the skin. But that's different than cooling the air around you.

But what I'd like to see is an outdoor shower like the one at Memorial Park by the tennis center. It would be a way to cool off and freshen up a bit after a long workout.

[barracuda]

But what I'd like to see is an outdoor shower like the one at Memorial Park by the tennis center. It would be a way to cool off and freshen up a bit after a long workout.

I second that. I've been tempted to use the Wortham Fountain, but the water stinks of dogs and chlorine.

[htownproud]

there is already such a fountain. just outside the west side of the skate park is a big pipe/pump structure. it's part work of art/part fountain. if you pull the chain you will get a shower. http://swamplot.com/tag/buffalo-bayou-park/

[flatline]

i do like the part about the bikers getting a seperate lane. i run there every other day and can't stand them--part of the reason why I'm not wild about the additional concrete paths they are putting in (before you jump on me--i recognize that they have the right to be there too).

H-TP: Well put. Just so you know, the feeling's mutual. . .I wish I had a dollar for every time I've had to bail off into the grass on my bike on Saturday morning because iPod-ed, oblivious joggers are running 5-abreast in their marathon training haze on the Memorial Park bike trail. But I can at least chuckle at the twisted irony having to avoid slamming into the signpost with the picture of a bike and the words BIKE ROUTE on it.

So here's hoping that the powers-that-be are taking those logistical issues into consideration, so that cyclists and runners can be courteous and polite to one another -- from a distance on dedicated trails.

[The Pragmatist]

H-TP: Well put. Just so you know, the feeling's mutual. . .I wish I had a dollar for every time I've had to bail off into the grass on my bike on Saturday morning because iPod-ed, oblivious joggers are running 5-abreast in their marathon training haze on the Memorial Park bike trail. But I can at least chuckle at the twisted irony having to avoid slamming into the signpost with the picture of a bike and the words BIKE ROUTE on it.

So here's hoping that the powers-that-be are taking those logistical issues into consideration, so that cyclists and runners can be courteous and polite to one another -- from a distance on dedicated trails.

Haha. This reply wins.

[sidegate]

Those would actually make it more humid. Misting Stations work best in hot arid cities like Vegas or Phoenix which is lacking moisture. They should add col air station to simulate a cool breeze on a hot humid day.

The misting stations in Memorial work just fine. Running 35 miles/week all year round, I'm very, very glad of them in the height of summer.

[ricco67]

I actually took a closer look at the bridge today, it only LOOKS like sheet metal from a distance (and at various) angles. In reality it's just metal piping or whatever. It's okay, but I think they could have done a bit better, though.

[kdog08]

I actually took a closer look at the bridge today, it only LOOKS like sheet metal from a distance (and at various) angles. In reality it's just metal piping or whatever. It's okay, but I think they could have done a bit better, though.

As long as its durable, I don't think the appearance of this material is worth the concern. Let's keep building more of these bridges and such with that generous donation to the City.

[skwatra]

I asked some of the workers yesterday, and they said "it's supposed to be done on the 18th"

Given the 18th was yesterday, i take it they don't know. But it is getting close.

looking closer at those art sculptures, they are made up of letters from different alphabets across the world. I recognized at least 8 alphabets and there were plenty more. I like them because they look cool from a distance and when you get right up to them they're even more interesting.

[skwatra]

They were installing LED lighting today, along the bottom of the internal railing, on light every section. We'll have to see how it looks at night...

[tierwestah]

seriously? what is taking so long just to build this walk bridge? It seems there's alot of street improvements and freeway overpass construction taking less time than this. It's not even going to really enhance the look of the area.

[citizen4rmptown]

Surprised no one posted the Swamplot article about the statues:

But standing — or really, kneeling — guard by the bridge’s southern entrance today are 7 new sculptures by Barcelona artist Jaume Plensa that were given to the city by a small group of donors who aren’t going out of their way to advertise their identity. The name for the artwork: Tolerance.

Photos available at the link:

http://swamplot.com/introducing-the-7-see-thru-alphabet-dudes-guarding-buffalo-bayous-new-rosemont-bridge/2011-02-15/