Mineola will have to try again next year for funds to build a pedestrian bridge over the Union Pacific railroad tracks in downtown.

The city’s application was not among projects announced last week by the Texas Transportation Commission.

The bridge is being sought to improve safety of pedestrians between Iron Horse Square Park and the downtown area. Persons on foot must navigate US Hwy. 69 to get from one area to the other. There are no sidewalks at that intersection of the highway and rail line.

Initial estimate for the project was $5 million, but final engineering estimates rose to $6 million, placing Mineola in competition with larger cities.

The bridge would utilize two elevators to take pedestrians to the top of the bridge, also helping to save space.