First phase of Buffalo Bayou Park construction to begin mid-July

Improvements at Buffalo Bayou Park from Shepherd Drive to the Sabine Street Bridge will begin later this month.

The first stage of construction includes a new pedestrian bridge behind the Police Memorial and an extension of the existing Jackson Hill pedestrian bridge over Buffalo Bayou to the Allen Parkway trails.

A hike and bike trail connection at the Crosby Outfall (Sabine Street and Allen Parkway) trails on the south side of Buffalo Bayou west of Sabine Street will connect with existing trails.

Also included in the project is channel edge and retaining wall restoration at Taft (at Allen Parkway).

Trail closures in this area are expected until the completion of the first phase of construction in September 2013.

The $55 million Buffalo Bayou Park project is a public-private partnership coordinated by Buffalo Bayou Partnership, the Houston Parks and Recreation Department and the Harris County Flood Control District, with funding from the Kinder Foundation.

Buffalo Bayou Park is 160 acres of parkland in Houston. The project will restore the area to a more natural and self-sustaining state, reintroduce native plants and enhance safety and convenience for visitors.