AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Interstate 35 expansion is coming, and roadways aren’t the only paths that will be impacted by construction.
A section of the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake will also be obstructed starting in late September, but detours will be in place.
According to the Trail Conservancy, which manages the Hike and Bike Trail, the I-35 Capital Express Central Project will impact the section of the trail under the I-35 bridge at East Avenue, which is on the north shore of the lake, for about eight years.
The parking lot under the bridge in that area will close on Sept. 15 so that construction crews can store equipment and materials there. It’s expected to reopen in 2033 when the project is complete.
The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and the Trail Conservancy will open a temporary detour of the trail in the area in October.
The detour is designed to “balance safety and accessibility without crossing traffic,” according to the Trail Conservancy. Key features of the detour will include:
- A 14-foot-wide path, aligned with recommendations from the Butler Trail Safety & Mobility Study
- Decomposed granite surfacing on sections to reflect the Trail’s existing character, with permanent concrete where existing infrastructure allows (e.g., under the north side of I-35 bridge)
- Route planning that prioritizes preserving existing trees where possible
- Safety fencing around active construction areas, including a 6-foot chain-link fence around the dock and TxDOT right of way
According to the Trail Conservancy, vehicular traffic on East Avenue will remain two-way, but some on-street parking adjacent to the construction site will be restricted. The boat ramp west of I-35, near the Holiday Inn, will be reserved for emergency vehicle access only.
Plans for the I-35 expansion include a new pedestrian-only bridge along I-35 across Lady Bird Lake.
(TxDOT Photo)
More information about the I-35 Capital Express Central Project can be found on TxDOT’s website. Details about any impacts to the Hike and Bike Trail can be found on The Trail Conservancy’s website.
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