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Commission approves Galveston ISD sky bridge license to use across Avenue O
Summary
The commission unanimously approved a license to use for a 70-foot enclosed sky bridge connecting Galveston ISD high school buildings across Avenue O, subject to an indemnification agreement and standard conditions.
The Planning Commission of the City of Galveston on Aug. 19 voted unanimously to approve a license to use (LTU) request for a sky bridge that will connect portions of the Galveston Independent School District high school complex across Avenue O.
Staff said the proposed enclosed sky bridge would span roughly 70 feet across the Avenue O right of way, be about 20 feet wide and provide a minimum 15 feet of clearance from the crown of the roadway to the bottom of the bridge deck. Staff noted that the city’s largest trucks commonly in use do not exceed 12 feet in height and that fire code requires 13.5 feet of clearance for comparable structures, so the proposed bridge would provide additional clearance beyond code minima. Staff also said the license-to-use requirement is set out in chapter 32-5 of city code and that Section 13.202 of the LDRs establishes the LTU approval procedure.
Zach Johnson, program manager with 06 Consulting representing the school bond program, told the commission the bridge is intended to give students, faculty and staff a safe, enclosed crossing between the north and south sides of the campus. Johnson said construction of the bridge would occur after completion of a new gym and natatorium, with the bridge construction expected in early 2027. The LTU will be followed by a separate LTU agreement that includes an indemnification and hold-harmless clause to be reviewed and signed by Galveston ISD.
Staff recommended approval subject to specific and standard conditions; no public objections or utility clearance issues were recorded during the presentation. A motion to approve case 25P-032 carried unanimously.
