A new detour route on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail at Waller Creek will be implemented starting Monday, September 30, and is scheduled to remain in place through mid-December 2024.
The new route will guide users over Waller Creek via a temporary creek crossing. This detour will not require trail users to dismount bicycles, and no equipment crossings of the trail are planned. For safety reasons, the entire route will be fenced on either side.
Bicyclists and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution on the detour route. If accessing the trail from Trinity Street, users should note that there is a construction entrance at this location. Work hours are set from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend work.
During this period, the construction team will complete bridge supports and install the final Waterloo Greenway lattice bridge, which will serve as the new Butler Trail bridge over the creek.
This marks the third in a series of detours scheduled for several months as part of The Confluence, which is phase two of Waterloo Greenway’s design plan aimed at revitalizing Waller Creek and creating a 1.5-mile greenway stretching from Waterloo Park northward to Lady Bird Lake. The current detour began on Monday, August 26, and will remain until the new detour starts.
Additional unrelated project detours are also occurring simultaneously on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. For a comprehensive list of trail closures, visit TheTrailConservancy.org/Detours.
The Confluence encompasses approximately 13 acres along Waller Creek from 4th Street to Lady Bird Lake. It facilitates a continuous off-street bike and pedestrian trail between the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail and 4th Street while stabilizing the creek bank, improving water quality, and providing access to nature. Construction began in May 2023 with completion expected by 2026.
Key features of The Confluence include three lattice bridges providing new east-west connections over Waller Creek; an elevated walkway connecting Palm Park to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail; a Lagoon Overlook; Leaf Deck adjacent to Lady Bird Lake; family-friendly areas such as Lakeview Terrace; Explorers Garden; Cypress Grove; Trailhead Plaza at 4th St.; among other amenities.
The Confluence project is funded by contributions from the City of Austin, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with total construction costs estimated at $85 million including contingencies.
For more information about The Confluence project visit AustinTexas.gov/Confluence or for details about Waterloo Greenway visit waterloogreenway.org.
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy aims to create an extraordinary urban park system in partnership with Austin city officials for community benefit by promoting environmental renewal alongside cultural engagement activities.
The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department focuses on reducing flooding impacts while preserving natural environments within community spaces.
Austin Parks & Recreation Department endeavors to inspire learning through diverse programs across sustainable natural spaces within public areas around Austin.
Capital Delivery Services manages public projects efficiently collaborating with various stakeholders ensuring timely delivery within budget constraints based on unified citywide strategies.