Huntsville, October 9, 2025
News Summary
The Huntsville City Council is poised to approve a $20 million federal grant aimed at the Pinhook Creek-Skybridge project, a crucial infrastructure initiative. This funding will support essential channel improvements for flood mitigation and enhance accessibility through a suspended pedestrian bridge. With delays in construction due to environmental assessments, the project’s completion is now projected for December 31, 2028. The first phase may begin this year, focusing on widening parts of Pinhook Creek and stabilizing the stream to better manage flooding.
Huntsville City Council is set to vote on accepting a $20 million federal grant intended for the Pinhook Creek-Skybridge project. This funding is part of the Fiscal 2022 U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE grant, which focuses on rebuilding American infrastructure to prioritize sustainability and equity.
The Pinhook Creek-Skybridge project, formally known as the Pedestrian Access and Redevelopment Corridor (PARC) Project, has seen its estimated cost increase from $65 million to $78 million, primarily due to inflation rates. The grant will specifically support a crucial component of the project that involves channel improvements, aimed at flood mitigation and economic development. Completion of the project, which has faced delays during the environmental assessment phase, is now expected by December 31, 2028.
Plans for the project will unfold in phases. City Urban and Economic Development Director Shane Davis mentioned that the first phase could begin later this year. This initial stage will focus on widening 3,200 linear feet of Pinhook Creek, extending from Holmes Avenue to Memorial Parkway, to help manage flooding more effectively. It will involve stream stabilization, the construction of an eight-foot retaining wall on the eastern channel bank, and the addition of spur dikes and rock clusters.
The project’s second phase will include the construction of Skybridge, a 1,100-foot-long suspended pedestrian bridge crossing the Memorial Parkway and Governors Drive. This bridge aims to enhance safety and accessibility for alternative transportation methods. One side of the bridge will be located in the Lowe Mill area, conveniently near a $400 million Mill Creek Choice Neighborhood Initiative project.
Skybridge will consist of three piers, an expansive 12-foot-wide multi-use path, 42-inch high railings, eight-foot high safety fencing, and pedestrian lighting for increased visibility. Furthermore, the existing Madison County Railroad Bridge near the Von Braun Center will be replaced with a new 440-foot-long and 25-foot-wide concrete deck bridge. A pedestrian and cyclist corridor measuring 6,000 feet will also be developed along the overflow area of Pinhook Creek, supplemented with three precast pedestrian bridges across the creek. This extensive project will also create about 1.2 miles of linear park space.
To facilitate the funding further, the city has entered into an agreement with the Federal Highway Administration and the Alabama Department of Transportation, which will provide an additional $47.3 million in federal grants for the Pinhook Creek-Skybridge project. City officials highlight the importance of Skybridge as a vital link connecting underserved areas to downtown employment centers, critical health care facilities, and public services.
With flood mitigation being one of the project’s key elements, planning has been underway for decades. Construction is expected to take approximately 24 months to complete once it begins, with some phases of the broader development possibly starting as early as spring 2026. City officials are currently finalizing construction plans and permits, with bidding for the first phase expected to start in about 60 days.
Project Overview
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Total Cost | $78 million |
| Federal Grant | $20 million |
| Completion Date | December 31, 2028 |
| Phase 1 | Widen 3,200 linear feet of Pinhook Creek |
| Phase 2 | Construct 1,100-foot-long Skybridge |
| Parks and Corridors | 1.2 miles of linear park space and 6,000-foot pedestrian and cyclist corridor |
FAQs
What is the total cost of the Pinhook Creek-Skybridge project?
The overall cost of the project has increased to $78 million from a previous estimate of $65 million due to inflation.
When is the project expected to be completed?
The project completion date has been pushed back to December 31, 2028, due to delays in the environmental process.
What will the first phase of the project involve?
The first phase will widen 3,200 linear feet of Pinhook Creek from Holmes Avenue to Memorial Parkway to help reduce flooding and promote economic development.
What is the significance of the Skybridge?
The city officials describe the skybridge as a crucial connection between underserved areas and downtown employment centers, health care facilities, and public services.
How long is construction expected to take?
Construction is expected to take about 24 months to complete once it begins.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: Huntsville Skybridge Key Vote
- Wikipedia: Huntsville, Alabama
- Hville Blast: Skybridge Funds Approved
- Google Search: Huntsville Skybridge project
- Rocket City Now: Skybridge Construction Commencing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Alabama
- WHNT: Tennessee Riverkeeper Initiative
- Google News: Pinhook Creek 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.
