Wishbone Bridge at Longhorn Dam Opens This Morning

Austin, TX · June 6, 2026

Lace up your sneakers—the long-awaited connection over the Colorado River finally opens its gates at sunrise. It’s a perfect morning to explore the new loops before the afternoon heat settles in.

📰 The Lead

The "Wishbone" pedestrian bridge at Longhorn Dam is officially open, marking a major milestone for the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. This three-pronged structure replaces the narrow, precarious sidewalk on the Pleasant Valley Road bridge, offering a dedicated space for walkers and cyclists to cross the water safely. By connecting the Holly neighborhood directly to the south shore, the bridge eliminates a significant gap in the city’s most popular trail system.

The design includes a central plaza over the water, providing a new vantage point for watching the sunset or the rowing teams below. City officials will host a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9:00 AM today at the north entrance. For those planning a full loop of the lake, the new path adds about a half-mile of scenic distance while removing the stress of proximity to vehicle traffic. The first cyclists are expected to cross immediately following the morning ceremony.

🏙️ Local Pulse

  • MetroBike Adds Fifty New North Austin Stations — The city’s bike-share program is expanding its footprint today with new e-bike docks near Q2 Stadium.

  • Brushy Creek Trail Repairs Finish Early — Maintenance crews have reopened the segment near Great Oaks Drive ahead of the weekend rush.

☁️ Today's Outlook

  • High 94°F · Low 74°F — Overcast (33% chance of precipitation) Keep your water bottle handy; the clouds won't block the heavy afternoon humidity.

📅 What's On Around Town

  • SFC Farmers Market — Republic Square, 9:00 AM–1:00 PM Fresh peaches hit the stalls today alongside local honey and greens.

  • Round Rock: Chalk Walk Arts Festival — Dell Diamond Parking Lot, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM Dozens of artists create live pavement murals; short drive for families.

  • Dripping Springs: Founders Day Festival — Mercer Street, 11:00 AM–11:00 PM Parades, cook-offs, and carnival rides just a short drive west.

  • Zilker Summer Musical: The Wizard of Oz — Zilker Hillside Theater, 8:15 PM A classic tradition under the stars—bring a blanket and arrive early.

  • Live Music: The Nightowls — Hotel Vegas, 9:30 PM High-energy soul and R&B to cap off the Saturday night circuit.

📸 Spotlight & Story

  • The Broken Spoke Opened in 1964 by James White, this South Lamar landmark is a time capsule of Texas honky-tonk culture. The low ceilings and red-checkered tablecloths have hosted legends from Dolly Parton to George Strait. The dance floor remains original, worn smooth by decades of two-stepping boots.

Austin Daily Digest — compiled from local sources as of 6 AM. For breaking updates, follow your local newsrooms.

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