happy trail
2 beloved Houston green spaces finally link with opening of crucial new trail connector
Local hikers and bikers in one of Houston’s hottest Inner-Loop neighborhoods now have a safe link that connects urban green space to choice retail and restaurants. The long-anticipated Missouri Kansas Texas (MKT) Trail Spur Connector officially opened on Tuesday, December 20.
A crucial connector for the highly traversed MKT Trail and White Oak Bayou Greenway trails, this new 10-foot-wide concrete hike and bike trail spanning 850 feet. Improvements in the $1.2 million project include stormwater upgrades, a retaining wall, and safety railings, per the City of Houston.
The Spur branches off the MKT Trail northwest of the MKT Bridge over White Oak Bayou, connecting to White Oak Bayou Greenway underneath Studemont Street.
Connecting two crucial green spaces allows more pedestrians, runners, and bikers to enjoy popular city green spaces — something area residents highly value. “The MKT Spur connector is the final missing piece to link users to 17 miles of hike-and-bike trails along the greenway, creating a more pleasant experience,” said Houston Public Works director Carol Haddock at the Tuesday ribbon-cutting ceremony.
As CultureMap previously reported, Houston City Council voted to approve the construction contract for this project in September 2021. Work on the MKT Spur Connector project began that fall by Teamwork Construction Services, Inc. with a targeted winter 2022 completion date.
"Today we're celebrating another milestone for safety and accessibility now that two of District C's most popular trails are connected," said Council Member Abbie Kamin at the ceremony. "Residents can be more comfortable walking, running, and biking, enjoying our trails and green-spaces without being forced on busy streets."