Huntsville, Alabama, October 12, 2025
News Summary
The Huntsville City Council has approved a $20 million federal grant to fund the construction of the Pinhook Creek-Skybridge project, estimated to cost $78 million in total. The funding, part of the U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE grant, will enhance infrastructure and economic development while extending the project’s completion to 2028 due to environmental delays. Key features include widening Pinhook Creek, a new pedestrian bridge, and improved greenways.
Huntsville, Alabama – The Huntsville City Council has approved the acceptance of a $20 million federal grant for the Pinhook Creek-Skybridge project, which comes with a total estimated cost of $78 million. The funding is part of the Fiscal 2022 U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) grant, specifically set aside for construction activities related to this project.
City Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis emphasized that the federal funding is earmarked for construction alone and cannot be redirected for other purposes. If not utilized as intended, the federal funding would be forfeited.
The project, designed to enhance infrastructure and promote economic development, will have its completion date extended to December 31, 2028, largely due to delays in environmental processes.
Project Phases and Objectives
Construction will be conducted in phases. The first phase will focus on the widening of 3,200 linear feet of Pinhook Creek, ranging from Holmes Avenue to Memorial Parkway. This widening aims to mitigate flooding issues in downtown Huntsville.
In addition to stream widening, the first phase will involve stream stabilization and restoration, the construction of an eight-foot retaining wall, installation of shoring dikes, and the use of rock clusters to assist with sediment transport and bank protection.
The second phase boasts a significant feature: a 1,100-foot-long cable-suspended pedestrian bridge, called the Skybridge. This bridge aims to improve safety, mobility, and accessibility for various modes of transportation by connecting underserved areas with key locations such as employment centers, healthcare facilities, and public services within downtown Huntsville.
Design Features of the Skybridge
The Skybridge will include three piers, a 12-foot-wide multiuse path, 42-inch-high railings, eight-foot-high safety fencing, and pedestrian lighting, enhancing its functionality for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
Moreover, the project will replace the existing Madison County Railroad Bridge situated near the Von Braun Center with a new 440-foot-long and 25-foot-wide concrete deck bridge, which is also intended to bolster flood mitigation efforts.
A dedicated pedestrian and cyclist corridor measuring approximately 6,000 feet will be established along Pinhook Creek’s overflow area. The overall project includes 1.3 miles of greenways and 11 acres of park space, connecting to existing greenways from Alabama A&M and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.
Community Concerns and Safety Statistics
The project aligns with broader urban development efforts, including the Mill Creek initiative, a $400 million neighborhood development program aimed at revitalizing the area and bolstering its infrastructure.
Construction Timeline
City officials anticipate that construction for the first phase of the project will commence later this year, with preliminary dirt work potentially starting soon.
Key Features of the Pinhook Creek-Skybridge Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal Funding | $20 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE grant |
| Total Project Cost | $78 million |
| Completion Date | December 31, 2028 |
| Phase One | Widening 3,200 linear feet of Pinhook Creek, including stream stabilization, wall construction, and dike installation |
| Skybridge Length | 1,100 feet |
| Bridge Width | 12 feet (multiuse path) |
| Accident Statistics | 35 accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists (2018-2022), 6 fatalities |
| Greenways and Park Space | 1.3 miles of greenways and 11 acres of park space |
FAQ Section
What is the total estimated cost of the Pinhook Creek-Skybridge project?
The total cost of the project is estimated at $78 million.
When is the completion date for the project?
The project’s completion date has been revised to December 31, 2028.
What specific funding has the Huntsville City Council approved for the project?
The Huntsville City Council voted to accept $20 million in federal funding specifically designated for construction.
What are the features of the Skybridge?
The Skybridge will include three piers, a 12-foot-wide multiuse path, 42-inch-high railings, eight-foot-high safety fencing, and pedestrian lighting.
How many accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists have occurred in Huntsville from 2018 to 2022?
Between 2018 and 2022, there were 35 automotive accidents involving pedestrians and cyclists, with six being fatalities.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Huntsville City Council Elects New Leadership and Approves Budget
Huntsville City Council Approves $20 Million Federal Grant for Skybridge Project
Huntsville City Council Approves Funding for Skybridge Project
Huntsville City Council to Vote on $20 Million Grant for Pinhook Creek-Skybridge Project
Huntsville Approves Greenway Trail Projects and Bridge Replacement
Huntsville Residents Move into New $50 Million Apartment Complex
Huntsville Unveils North Huntsville Greenway and Skybridge Plans
Huntsville Advances Mill Creek Revitalization Project
Huntsville City Council Allocates $885,000 for Community Projects
Additional Resources
- AL.com: Huntsville Skybridge Key Vote
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- 256 Today: Huntsville $20M Grant
- Google Search: Huntsville, Alabama
- Hville Blast: Skybridge Parc Funds Approved
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Huntsville
- Rocket City Now: Huntsville Skybridge Construction
- Google Scholar: Huntsville Development Projects
- WHNT: Tennessee Riverkeeper in Huntsville
- Google News: Huntsville Skybridge
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
