The walk will be brisk, but with the clock ticking on the life of the old Harbor Bridge, the monthly BridgeWalks across its 2-mile span is also historic. The next of a limited number of treks begins at 8:30 a.m. February 9, the first Sunday after the first Friday of the month. Arrive at 8 a.m. to sign waivers and be part of the group photo taken just before the walk.
Once expected to be torn down in 2021, the bridge recently got a two-year reprieve after reports from the Texas Department of Transportation that construction of its replacement, a new cable-stayed suspension bridge, was that far behind schedule.
The new bridge will provide 75 additional feet of clearance from the water level than the old through-arch bridge, which is 61 years old and not tall enough to accommodate the bigger tankers now being used to haul oil and gas.
The round-trip walk, which takes place single file on a narrow pedestrian sidewalk, covers 3.42 miles from the Galvan House in Heritage Park up and over the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. Walkers who have stamped a BridgeWalk card after five trips across and back earn a free T-shirt.
After the walk, hikers gather at Heritage Park, where fitness partners offer free workout and yoga sessions.
Those not wanting to brave the winds and the height can take a flat route of equal distance along Shoreline Boulevard. The route is perfect for those with dogs, kids, and baby strollers.
The remaining dates for 2020 are March 8, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 9, September 6, October 4, November 8, and December 6.
If you’re in town for the walk, come early so you can also enjoy Friday night’s downtown ArtWalk, which is held on the first Friday of the month. Aresian and La Retama parks and the surrounding streets are closed to traffic to make way for booths, live music, and dancing. Galleries and museums stay open late for the festivities.
On the Saturday in between, get in shape for the Sunday morning walk by taking in the downtown murals, a gallery of public outdoor art that continues to grow with new works every year.