March 19, 2026
Austin’s Hike-and-Bike Trail users long wished for completion of a trail gap at the east end of Lady Bird Lake. That wish finally came true this year with the opening of the Wishbone Bridge and underpass at Pleasant Valley Road. I was curious about the Y-shaped bridge and mosaic-decorated tunnel, so one afternoon I headed to the lake.
Wishbone Bridge
The bridge’s 3-spoke design includes a central plaza with shade sails and benches — a perfect spot for people-watching on the water. The appealing design makes the bridge more than a passageway. It’s a destination in itself.
A lot of sun still gets through the shade sails and wire trellises for now.
But crossvine planted on the columns is scrambling up to cloak the wire roof. Give it a couple years.
Sleek wooden benches with colorful legs add a stylish touch, although I wish more of them had backs for comfortable relaxing.
Unity Tunnel
One of the bridge’s paths runs under busy Pleasant Valley Road, providing pedestrian access via a tunnel.
Houston artist Reginald Adams made tile mosaics for it, starting with hand prints decorating the outer rim.
The murals were as-yet ungrouted when I visited, but the colorful designs were set in place.
In the tunnel, mosaics symbolizing East Austin and Texas, like this longhorn, unfurl along the walls.
Bluebonnets and a full moon
Cowboys
Prickly pear cactus
An embracing abuelo and abuela
Mischievous raccoons
Bats emerging from under Congress Avenue Bridge
The artist’s website explains the concept:
“The Absolute Equality: Unity Tunnel is a love letter to the people of Austin, transforming a once ordinary underpass into a vibrant corridor of collective memory, artistic expression, and cultural pride. Every image within the murals was inspired directly by community voices through a survey that asked residents a simple question: ‘What makes East Austin special to you?’ Their responses shaped the artwork, with the imagery unfolding through themes of day and night, reflecting the rhythms and spirit of the neighborhood.”
Now let’s walk down the other side.
Abstract floral murals above the mosaics arch overhead, adding bold pattern and color.
Below the mosaics, an undulating pattern in a stone wall pays tribute to the Colorado River, the river running through Austin that was dammed to create Lady Bird Lake. I like the symbolism, but I think the design would have been stronger without the busy stonework, leaving the focus on the beautiful, evocative mosaics. I’d even argue for a more neutral ceiling to really let the mosaic art shine — like this fawn gazing straight at you.
Here are a few more of my favorite mosaics.
A Starry Night-esque scene
The Texas Capitol
An inquisitive turtle. While I’m most drawn to the nature scenes…
…I also enjoyed charming images of children playing baseball…
…blowing bubbles…
…swimming…
…appreciating nature…
…and digging into an ice cream cone.
The Unity Tunnel is a delightful addition to Austin’s public art scene. Go check it out if you can and make a good wish on the Wishbone Bridge.
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