Lamar Pedestrian/Bicycle Bridge Facility - Phase One

CIP 825-607-2050

Summary

In 1984, voters approved a project to widen the existing Lamar Boulevard Bridge over Town Lake from 4 lanes to 6 lanes. On March 6, 1997 the City Council took a decision not to add travel lanes and voted to proceed with pedestrian and bicycle improvements. In September of 1998, City Council approved an option of a separate bridge. The City Council authorized HDR Engineering to provide design phase services in January 1999. The design phase was completed after obtaining TxDOT approvals. Federal ISTEA "Enhancement" funding ($953,252) has been approved for pedestrian/bicycle facilities.

This project consists of a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge on the East Side of the Lamar Boulevard Bridge over Town Lake. The current funding is sufficient for Phase One that includes the bridge over the Town Lake. The alternate consisting of and the bridge over Cesar Chavez Street & Sandra Muraida back to Lamar Boulevard was not accepted due to funding shortfall. Currently, no funding is assigned to provide for Phase Two. This phase will be coordinated with the new Lance Armstrong Cross Town Bikeway project.

Status

Hike and bike trail at both ends is re-routed to allow room for construction. A central path in the river is kept open for all river traffic. Signs are in place and lights are installed for safety of lake and shore users. A web site is set up to keep track of construction progress. This site is accessible through the City's web site, at http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/news/lpbb_default.htm.

Steel beam placement is in progress. Concrete was placed on bridge deck at the south end. The barges in the lake will move back and forth from the north to south shores on regular basis. The helix construction is in full swing at the north end.

Description

The proposed project will address capacity needs for pedestrians and bicyclists at the Lamar Boulevard Bridge and connect the hike and bike trails at north and south end. The entire bridge is wheel chair accessible.

Basic Data