AUSTIN, Texas—Tomorrow morning, Austin ISD will join the City of Austin’s Public Works Department, city officials, neighborhood leaders and partners at a ribbon-cutting for the North Acres Bridge and Sidewalk Project.

What: Child Safety Crossing Guards will escort Hart Elementary School students across the bridge to the campus. City and AISD officials and partners will speak about the project as the children walk to school.

When: 7 a.m. Wednesday, May 7.

Where: The new North Acres Bridge, which connects Park Plaza Drive with Furness Drive across Little Walnut Creek. Students will cross the bridge from Park Plaza Drive to Hart Elementary School, 8301 Furness Drive.

Background: Prior to the construction of the North Acres Bridge, Hart students did not have a safe means of walking or biking to school, despite many students living one mile or less away from campus. This bridge and sidewalk create a safe connection to the school, allowing students to walk or bike to school. The district will be able to reduce 10 buses for the school.

The project was constructed for approximately $922,000. A federal grant provided $260,000 in matching funds. In addition, a Safe Kids “Walk This Way” Safe School Zone grant provided 40,000 in funding for the sidewalk portion of the project.

The North Acres Bridge and Sidewalk Project includes the construction of a 180-foot bridge, which features enhanced lighting and landscaping, and 270 feet of sidewalk.