DENTON -- Football fans attending games at the University of North Texas this season can get to Apogee Stadium from across Interstate 35E using a new 354-foot pedestrian bridge
The bridge, in the final phases of construction, rises above I-35E between South Bonnie Brae Street and North Texas Boulevard. The estimated $2.5 million project will allow students and fans to move from the main campus to the stadium, other athletic facilities and a 600-bed dormitory."It's a great addition and a massive structure," said Charles Jackson, UNT's assistant vice president for facilities.Jackson said people often had to use the North Texas Boulevard bridge to cross I-35E on "a very narrow sidewalk."The new pedestrian bridge is about 17 feet high and 20 feet wide.The university donated right of way for the project, said Michelle Releford, spokeswoman for the Texas Department of Transportation's Dallas district. She said state and regional transportation commission dollars are being used for the project, which started Feb. 29."They built a new stadium on one side of the highway," Releford said. "The parking is over on the UNT side. There had to be a way for pedestrians to cross over."The aim is to have the bridge ready for the first home game, Sept. 8 against Texas Southern.Derrick Morgan, executive director of UNT's alumni association, said he watched construction unfold from his office."It's been amazing," he said. Rudy Reynoso, UNT's student body president, said students are excited about the bridge. "There has been a lot of talk about it on campus," Reynoso said.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
