Dallas' Margaret McDermott Bridge Finally Open to Pedestrians and Cyclists

"Residents in Dallas can finally walk up and take a closer look at the signature arches of the Margaret McDermott Bridge," reports Eline de Brujin. The bridge officially opened to pedestrians and people on bikes on June 10.

The bridge—designed by controversial but prolific architect Santiago Calatrava—opened to vehicle traffic in 2017 (Caltrava also designed the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge in Dallas). The delay in opening for pedestrians and people on bikes was caused by steel rods vibrating in high winds, according to an article by Jack Beavers from 2018. Thus, the big opening of the bridge for non-automotive modes was both overdue and over budget.

"The pedestrian portion of the bridge cost more than $90 million, funded by private donors and federal dollars, but in 2019, Dallas City Council approved a $7 million fix to replace steel rod cables of the arches that hold up the pedestrian bridge," according to de Brujin.

A separate article by Alex Macon, published by D Magazine in May, offers more details on this boon to pedestrian and people on bikes in Dallas.