Volunteer crews and county crews advance bridge and trail repairs; barefoot bridge work prioritized

County staff and volunteer leaders updated the Collin County Trails Advisory Committee on maintenance and bridge projects along the Olympic Discovery Trail.

Volunteers spent June through mid‑August on tread maintenance, crib‑wall repairs and improvements to several trail segments. Committee members said crews transported materials to sites and used locally sourced logs where possible; staff reported purchasing several long logs to complete the Barefoot Bridge replacement and said the project had temporary access features to keep trail users moving.

County maintenance staff said they secured permits allowing in‑water work and are prioritizing permitted in‑water activities before the end of the fish window; they expect to complete the work this year. Staff also reported progress on a contractor procurement and the need to finalize consultant authorizations for additional design work on other projects pending federal approvals.

Emergency access was also addressed: staff circulated a list of needed keys to local fire districts and had confirmation from two districts that they can accept the required keys so first responders can reach the trail in multiple locations.

Ending

Staff said they will complete in‑water bridge work within permit windows, finalize consultant mobilization pending FHWA or state approvals on other projects, and continue coordinating volunteer schedules and materials logistics.