Austin Mobility News For December 6

Press release from the City of Austin:

December 6, 2021

A project to turn an abandoned 6.5-mile rail corridor in south Austin into an urban trail for people walking and people on bikes has taken a step forward.

The Bergstrom Spur Trail, a project from Austin Public Works’ Urban Trails Program, entered the design phase this fall. The urban trail will stretch from Vinson Drive in south Austin, just west of South First Street, to US 183 in southeast Austin near the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

The project will be developed as three segments: Western, Central and Eastern. Once complete, the three segments will function as one cohesive trail.

The Urban Trails Program has contracted three design firms to refine recommendations from the Bergstrom Spur Corridor Study, published in December 2020. That study, which the project team developed by working closely with residents and community members, won the Planning Achievement Award for Transportation Planning from the Texas chapter of the American Planning Association.

Construction of the Western and Central segments of the trail are expected to begin in 2023, with construction of the Eastern segment expected to follow in 2024.

Funding sources include Parkland Dedication and the Mobility Bonds approved by Austin voters in 2018 and 2020. Cost estimates for the project segments will be developed in the design phase. To find more information on the project, visit AustinTexas.gov/BergstromSpur.

Members from Austin Transportation’s Smart Mobility Office joined leaders from peer cities across Texas Thursday to discuss how technology advancements are being used to make streets safer and improve quality of life.

The Texas Smart Cities Summit 2021, hosted at Austin Central Library, brought together leaders from governmental bodies, technology companies and research teams focused on mobility advancements. Two key takeaways Austin leaders have gleaned from efforts since the Smart Mobility Office’s creation four years ago are ensuring equity drives decision-making and solutions provide a choice for people to fold into their lifestyles.

You can find a list of current projects and collaborations at AustinTexas.gov/SmartMobility.

This press release was produced by the City of Austin. The views expressed here are the author’s own.