Over the next several months, users of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail are urged to slow down and be prepared to stop when approaching Waller Creek. A series of detours will be in place to construct new lattice bridges and the Lagoon Overlook and Leaf Deck for The Confluence, the second phase of the Waterloo Greenway.
The first detour is scheduled to start Monday, July 22, and last through the end of August, weather permitting. While this detour is in place, the construction crew will be installing a new lattice bridge and preparing a temporary creek crossing for later detours. Subsequent detours will differ on the route over the creek.
The first detour will route users of the trail onto a temporary, 12-foot wide, crushed granite trail just east of the existing bridge over Waller Creek. The temporary trail will be fenced on either side, and users will continue to cross Waller Creek on the existing bridge.
Periodically, bicyclists and pedestrians may need to stop briefly to allow construction traffic to cross the trail. There will be a flagger, and gates will keep trail users separate from vehicular traffic. Work hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work.
Please be aware that there are other unrelated project detours happening simultaneously on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. For a complete list of trail closures, visit TheTrailConservancy.org/Detours.
The Confluence includes approximately 13 acres along Waller Creek from 4th Street to Lady Bird Lake. The project allows for a continuous, off-street bike and pedestrian trail between the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and 4th Street. It also stabilizes the creek bank, improves water quality, and provides access to nature. Construction began in May 2023 and is expected to be complete by spring 2026.
Among other features, the project includes three lattice bridges providing new east-west connections over Waller Creek; a continuous elevated walkway connecting Palm Park to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail; a new Lagoon Overlook and Leaf Deck adjacent to the lake; shaded family-friendly Lakeview Terrace; Explorers Garden; a new connection at 4th St.; Cypress Grove; Trailhead Plaza.
Rendering of Lagoon Overlook and Leaf Deck
The Confluence is funded by the City of Austin, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The estimated construction cost is $75 million.
For more information about The Confluence, visit AustinTexas.gov/Confluence.
ABOUT WATERLOO GREENWAY:
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to create and maintain an extraordinary urban park system" in partnership with "the City of Austin."
ABOUT WATERSHED PROTECTION
The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department aims "to protect lives," property," "and environment" by reducing "flooding," erosion," "and water pollution."
ABOUT AUSTIN PARKS AND RECREATION
Austin Parks seeks "to inspire our community" by creating diverse programs in sustainable natural spaces "and public places."
ABOUT CAPITAL DELIVERY SERVICES
Capital Delivery Services builds public projects supporting communities with engineers, architects," "and construction professionals."
ABOUT THE TRAIL CONSERVANCY
The mission of The Trail Conservancy is “to protect” “the Ann” “for all.”