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.

This project will provide a 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 up to the south side of the Railroad Bridge at 3rd street was not accepted due to funding shortfall.

Status

Jay-Reese Contractors, Inc. started construction on May 15, 2000. Hike and bike trail at both ends is re-routed to allow room for construction. Drilled piers are under way in water and on land at the north and south shores. A barge has been installed in Town Lake to drill piers in water. A material barge moves from the shore to the drilling barge on regular basis. 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. Construction is expected to last for one year.

Issues

Federal ISTEA "Enhancement" funding ($953,252) has been approved for pedestrian/bicycle facilities.

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.

Phase Two includes the extension from the bridge at South end of Cesar Chavez to the intersection of 5th and Lamar. Union Pacific Railroad will not allow at grade crossing. Therefore it is necessary to have a tunnel under the rail road bridge. Phase Two is not yet funded.

Basic Data