Burnet picks site for 281 pedestrian bridge

The general area of where a pedestrian bridge will be built across U.S. 281 at Fourth Street in Burnet. It will serve residents and students from the nearby Burnet middle and high schools. Google Maps image
After weeks of deliberation and community input, the Burnet City Council on June 10 selected Fourth Street as the location of a future pedestrian bridge over U.S. 281.
The project has been in the making since 2024 and will serve as a safe crossing over the highway for residents, especially students from nearby Burnet middle and high schools.
“The location was selected because it aligns well with school access points,” wrote City Manager David Vaughn in a recent media release. “Finalizing the site allows the city to move forward with the (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) grant agreement and begin environmental and design work.”
The pedestrian bridge will be paid for entirely by a $5 million grant awarded to the city in August 2024 from HUD thanks to support from U.S. Rep. John Carter, whose District 31 includes Burnet County.
The City Council made the bridge site decision during its Tuesday meeting. The council had previously narrowed the location to between Third and Seventh streets and then asked for public input. Based off of feedback from a May 29 town hall and consultations with Burnet school district and city staff, Fourth Street was selected.
Design has not begun on the project, but the bridge will have stairs, elevators, and ramps; a fully enclosed walkway; ample lighting and security features; and be built with aesthetics in mind.
Preliminary estimates show a tentative construction start date around April 2027 and possible completion by mid-2028.