Seawolf Parkway at Pelican Island Channel Bridge replacement
(SH 275 to Seawolf Parkway)
Introduction
The TxDOT Houston District is proposing to replace the existing lift bridge with a new location, fixed-span bridge, in Galveston County. The purpose of the project is to provide a safe and reliable crossing of the Pelican Island Channel for both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and to ensure uninterrupted access for evacuation and for emergency and basic services to Pelican Island.
Current conditions
The existing Seawolf Parkway bridge connecting Galveston Island and Pelican Island is a 2-lane load restricted lift bridge with 3-foot-wide shoulders. The existing bridge does not have any bicycle or pedestrian accommodations.
Project background
- The Seawolf Parkway Bridge connects Pelican Island to Galveston Island within the City of Galveston. Pelican Island is home to the Texas A&M Galveston Campus (TAMUG) as well as several port-related industries. It is the only way on and off Pelican Island.
- The current load restricted lift bridge limits access to Texas A&M Galveston Campus (TAMUG) and several industries on the island.
- The deterioration of the Seawolf Parkway bridge has progressed to the extent that any additional deterioration could result in sudden bridge closure. Since this bridge provides sole access to Pelican Island, bridge closure would effectively cut off access for all users, including evacuation and emergency services.
- The existing bridge was constructed in 1960 and has met its structural design life.
Proposed improvements
- Construct a new non-load restricted, fixed-span bridge with two 12-foot-wide lanes (one in each direction) and 13-foot-wide outside shoulders on new location
- Construct a 10-foot-wide shared use path for bicyclists and pedestrians on the east side of the bridge with a 3-foot buffer between the shoulder and the shared use path
- Realign Seawolf Parkway on Pelican Island around the north side of the Texas A&M Galveston campus
Partners
City of Galveston, Texas A&M Galveston, Galveston County Navigation District
Additional information
The proposed project would require additional right-of-way. The amount of proposed right-of-way is still being evaluated. No displacements are anticipated.
Next steps
- Ship Simulation Feasibility Study – Spring 2023
- Public Meeting – Summer 2023
- Finalize Schematic and Environmental Assessment – Spring 2024
- Construction Begins – Summer 2025
Reference the following project number: 0912-73-213