The future Walnut Creek Trail will ultimately be a 16-mile, 12 foot wide concrete trail from Balcones District Park in NW Austin to Govalle Park in East Austin. This runs through and connects to trails in Walnut Creek Metro Park, but doesn’t replace any of those mountain biking trails.
Based on a presentation by Parks and Recreation Project Staff on November 20, 2008 to the Bicycle Advisory Council, here’s an update on the project. There are currently three phases planned:
1) North Walnut Creek Trail Phase 1 is 3.2 miles of trail from Balcones District Park to Walnut Creek Metro Park with a total cost of $3.3M. As of 11/20/08, the Parks department is in the final stages of permitting and the city is expected to submit plans to TXDOT for review and approval in December 2008. TXDOT review generally takes 12-16 weeks and if it is approved, the city could go out to bid in April 2009. Contruction is expected to be completed in April 2010.
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Map of Phase 1 – 3.2 Miles
2) North Walnut Creek Trail Phase 2 is 1.7 miles of trail from Walnut Creek Metro Park running under Lamar Blvd to the TCEQ and Girl Scout buildings at 1-35. Total cost is $1.9M. Funding was approved by City Council on June 18, 2000 for construction design and the parks department is currently preparing the scope of work for consultant selection.
3) South Walnut Creek Trail is 7.2 miles of trail and runs from Govalle Park in SE Austin to the new tennis complex at Walnut Creek Greenbelt/Sports Complex on Johnny Morris Rd just south of US 290. Total cost is $10.1 M. The request for qualifications for the design consultants went out to bid early this year and City Council is expected to approve the successful bid at their meeting on December 11, 2008.
The total trail to be constructed is 12.25 mile with these three projects at a total cost of $15,332,102. The trail is a 10 foot wide concrete trail with trailheads in Phase 1 at major intersections and facilities including Balcones District Park, Mopac Access, North Austin Medical Center, Austin Community College and Walnut Creek Metro Park.[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]