Absolute Equality: Unity Tunnel, the public artwork beneath Pleasant Valley Road at Lady Bird Lake, has been selected for the 2026 CODAworx Best Collaboration award, according to the City of Austin.
The city says more than 250 residents helped shape the project alongside artist Reginald Adams, public agencies, contractors and The Trail Conservancy. The recognition concerns an existing installation, rather than a newly announced opening or another construction project.
How residents contributed
Austin's Art in Public Places program worked with Adams through community surveys, engagement sessions and practical workshops. Activities took place at the Mendez Recreation Center and The Mosaic Workshop, giving residents opportunities to contribute to the artwork's development.
The city's award announcement also credits transportation, parks and capital-delivery teams, HDR Inc. and Jay-Reese Contractors. It says the project will be featured at CODAsummit in Santa Fe.
The award recognizes collaboration in commissioned art. It is not a new city spending decision, and the announcement does not set out any additional work or closures at the tunnel.
Where to find Unity Tunnel
The Trail Conservancy places the Unity Underpass south of Longhorn Dam, connecting Longhorn Shores with the Roy G. Guerrero Trail and Krieg Fields. Its bridge and underpass project guide explains how the neighboring Wishbone Bridge links Longhorn Shores, Canterbury and the Holly Peninsula.
That bridge was developed to provide an alternative to the Pleasant Valley Road sidewalk and close a gap in the Butler Trail. The conservancy identifies three bridge entrances: south of the dam at the underpass, north of the dam at Canterbury Street, and on the former Holly peninsula.
Its guide identifies Krieg Field as a parking location. Visitors should check current trail conditions before traveling; the original ribbon-cutting invitation is background information, not an upcoming event.
Unity Tunnel is also included in the conservancy's permanent-art directory, alongside installations such as the Stevie Ray Vaughan sculpture and High Water Mark. That directory offers a starting point for exploring other artworks along the trail.
