Barton Creek Streambank Erosion

In May 2018, a slope failure occurred during a flooding event on a section of the Barton Creek streambank adjacent to the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, opposite from Lou Neff Point. Approximately 230 lineal feet of the streambank slope was affected. Austin Watershed Protection, Austin Parks and Recreation, and The Trail Conservancy worked together to provide solutions to stabilize the slope and protect the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at this location. This project is complete and open to the public! City Council District 9

Latest Update

The project reached Substantial Completion March 16, 2026. All work in the scope has been completed and the trail is open for use!

Background

In May 2018, a slope failure occurred during a flooding event on a section of the Barton Creek streambank adjacent to the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, opposite Lou Neff Point. Approximately 230 linear feet of the streambank slope was affected. Austin Watershed Protection, Austin Parks and Recreation, and The Trail Conservancy are working together to provide solutions to stabilize the slope and protect the Ann and Roy Butler Trail at this location.

In early 2021, Austin Watershed Protection authorized Freese and Nichols, Inc. (FNI) to provide a Reach Feasibility Evaluation from Barton Springs Pool to Lady Bird Lake. The report includes an evaluation of the area of failure that occurred on the south bank near the ballfields at Butler Shores, identified as the 1725 Toomey Erosion Site. FNI completed the report in March 2022 with conceptual recommendations for the repair and stabilization of the slope failure based on their evaluations. Due to the limited space, slopes, and desire to save trees where possible, the recommended stabilization solution includes a combination of low limestone block retaining wall, stabilizing rock rip rap and riparian buffers.

In July 2024, the Austin Parks and Recreation Trails Crew began building a spur trail from the western edge of the Toomey Road sidewalk to the Roy and Ann Butler Trail, making the Hike-and-Bike Trail more accessible. Clearing of underbrush and invasive trees within the new trail connection alignment was completed in June 2024. The new trail connection is now open and will provide an accessible detour during the slope and bank stabilization project lead by Austin Watershed Protection. This initiative aims to combat erosion issues along Barton Creek opposite Lou Neff Point.

Project Description

The bank restoration addressed previous slope failures and the severe erosion along a portion of the east bank of Barton Creek. The work included:

• Install a rock toe foundation to stabilize the slope that forms the edge of the trail adjacent to the creek. This provides the foundation upon which ‘lifts’ or layers of soil will be added to build the slope. The approximate length of this fortified slope is 640 linear feet. The new slope is vegetated with plant material and trees to enhance stabilization.
• Install a new 270-lineal foot limestone wall to restore and form the edge of the trail width lost to erosion.