In the Fall of 2003, the Denton Branch rail trail was completely cut off by the 288 bypass. The trail is 8 miles in length, but don't plan on riding it it's entire length. Right behind target at Loop 288, the trail stops. "We have the bike trail's design complete," said Denton Engineer Charles Feedler. "Permits are in place. Hopefully, we'll be under construction very soon to reconnect the bike trail by Colorado (boulevard) where we'll have the signal lights so people can safely cross from one side to the other of the loop."

When the bypass is complete, riders will take their bikes 100 yards to cross 288 at Colorado Blvd. Then, they'll go another100 yards to get back onto the trail. The bike trail will one day carry the train tracks for the commuter rail between Denton and Dallas. When the commuter rail is finished, 288 will be six lanes from I-35 to McKinney Street.

The city of Denton hopes to build a bridge for the Denton Branch Rail Trial that connects it to the other side. However, they have to wait for the Texas Department of Transportation to complete 288 construction in 2005.