Austin News

AUSTIN – After cycling to City Hall as part of Austin’s Bike to Work Day, U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett (D-Austin) on May 19 announced $5 million in federal funding he secured in direct appropriations to begin closing the gap between the Southern Walnut Creek Trail, for which he previously obtained construction funds, and the Northern Walnut Creek Trail. These funds will provide a safe and dedicated cycling and pedestrian path, connecting dozens of Austin neighborhoods, numerous parks, schools, businesses, and employment centers.

Rep. Doggett announces $5 million for safe, urban trails at City Hall during Bike to Work Day

“We are creating a world-class trail system in Austin to safely connect our neighborhoods and improve our way of life,” said Rep. Doggett. “Almost two decades ago, I secured about $8 million to construct the 7+ mile Southern Walnut Creek Trail, the first major trail in East Austin. Two years ago, I secured federal appropriations to extend that trail south to Plaza Saltillo where it can connect to both the Crosstown Bikeway and the Ladybird Lake Trail. The additional $5 million investment will begin completing the gap between the north and south so that our trail can extend from Govalle Neighborhood Park in East Austin to the Balcones District Park in North Austin. Our urban trail system, supported by federal dollars, City of Austin bond funds, and our active local cycling community, offers an opportunity for Central Texans – and visitors from around the world – to bike to work, bike for fun, and bike for life.”

Background:

City of Austin – Northern Walnut Creek Trail

$5,000,000 in new federal funding secured by Representative Doggett

This funding will be used to help complete a gap in the Walnut Creek Trail System, from the Southern Walnut Creek Trail to Braker Lane. The extended trail will include a safe, dedicated crossing of US-290 and connect neighborhoods north of the highway to 15 miles of urban trails. The trail will also provide a connection to a large Samsung facility, offering employees more options on how to travel to work. Much of this segment is proposed within the abandoned Mokan Corridor, transforming an unused corridor into a vibrant urban trail.

The Walnut Creek Trail System was identified as a high priority in the 2014 Urban Trails Plan. The northern and southern ends of the Walnut Creek Trail System are complete and open to the public, and an approximately eight-mile gap remains between the Northern and Southern Walnut Creek Trails. Once complete, the trail will be about 19 miles long and connect the Govalle Neighborhood Park in East Austin to the Balcones District Park in North Austin.

The Walnut Creek Trail System also connects to the proposed Mokan Trail in East Austin and will provide access to downtown; to the Austin to Manor Trail; and eventually to the Shoal Creek Trail and Red Line Trail. Ultimately, the trail will become part of a planned 30-mile trail loop around the city. By completing the Walnut Creek Trail, Austinites will experience improved access to economic opportunities, improved bicyclist and pedestrian safety and mobility, and reduced vehicle traffic and related emissions.

The funding, secured by Rep. Doggett, serves to implement the City of Austin Climate Equity Plan’s primary goal of achieving by 2030 that 50 percent of all trips in Austin are made using public transit, biking, walking, carpooling, or avoided altogether by working remotely.

Original source can be found here.