City of Austin

Amount Appropriated?

$5.0M

FFID tracks stages 1–2 — stages 3–5 vary by agency, assistance type, and earmark structure.

Project Description

The Walnut Creek Trail System was identified as a high priority in the 2014 Urban Trails Plan as it provides a safe and dedicated bicyclist and pedestrian path connecting dozens of Austin neighborhoods, numerous parks, recreation centers, and green spaces, Austin Community College, many schools, and employment centers. Phase 3 will provide safe and dedicated crossings of I-35 and US-290, breaking down highway barriers and provide direct access to Copperfield Elementary School. \n\nThe Walnut Creek Trail System also connects to the proposed Mokan Trail, providing access to downtown; to the Austin to Manor Trail providing direct access to Manor; and to the Shoal Creek Trail and Red Line Trail resulting in a 30-mile trail loop around the city. Completing the Walnut Creek trail will improve access to opportunity, improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety and mobility, and reduce vehicle miles traveled and their related emissions. This serves to implement the City of Austin Climate Action Equity Plan, which has states a primary goal that: \u201cBy 2030, 50% of trips in Austin are made using public transit, biking, walking, carpooling, or avoided altogether by working from home.\u201d \n(https://www.austintexas.gov/page/austin-climate-equity-plan) \n\nThe requested funding will complete the 3.5-mile segment of Phase 3 extending from the existing Southern Walnut Creek Trail to Braker Lane. This includes a safe, dedicated crossing of US-290, connecting neighborhoods north of the highway to over 15-miles of trail with direct connections to east Austin and Manor. It also provides a direct connection to a large Samsung facility, offering employees more options on how to travel to work. This segment is proposed within the abandoned Mokan Corridor, transforming an unused corridor into a vibrant urban trail.