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. The Watershed Protection, Parks and Recreation Departments, 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. This project is under construction. City Council District 9

Project Impact

Closure of the section of Butler Trail within the work zone began in mid-February. Parking along Toomey Road adjacent to Weber Field has been impacted to provide a detour for both bicycles and pedestrians. There will be a person with a flag near the Toomey connection, and periodically, bicyclists and pedestrians may need to stop briefly to allow construction traffic to cross the detour path. 

This remains an active construction site. For public and trail safety, unauthorized entry is not permitted. 

Project Update

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As of April 2025, the contractor has made significant progress including:

  • Completing site preparation
  • Installation of a storm drain outfall under the new trail spur
  • Phase 1 cofferdam installed (downstream portion)
  • Dewatering is now underway for Phase 1

Next steps include:

  • Once Phase 1 dewatering is complete, the contractor will begin placing the rock toe and backfill.
  • After Phase 1 rock placement, the contractor will relocate the cofferdam, begin fish and turtle relocation, and dewatering activities for Phase 2 (upstream portion of the project). 

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. The Watershed Protection, Parks and Recreation Departments, 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, the Watershed Protection Department (WPD) 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 Parks and Recreation Department 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's Watershed Protection Department. This initiative aims to combat erosion issues along Barton Creek opposite Lou Neff Point. 

Project Description

The bank restoration project will address previous slope failures and the severe erosion along a portion of the east bank of Barton Creek. This work includes:

  • Install a rock toe foundation to stabilize the slope that forms the edge of the trail adjacent to the creek. This will provide the foundation upon which ‘lifts’ or layers of soil will be added to build the slope. The approximate length of this fortified slope will be 640 linear feet. The new slope will be 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.
  • Some of this work will be done below the normal lake level, and will be completed in two phases, including temporary dewatering, a cofferdam, a fish and turtle relocation, and pumping,  to create a safe working environment. 

Artists depiction of completed improvements

 

Anticipated Project Schedule

  • Winter 2021: Preliminary Engineering Study Began (Completed)
  • Spring 2022: Design and Permitting Phase (Completed)
  • Summer 2024: New Trail Connection Construction (Completed)
  • Fall 2024: Construction on Streambank Begins (In Progress)
  • Fall 2025: Construction Complete

Please note that construction schedules are projected as accurately as possible, but all dates are subject to change due to potential weather delays and the nature of construction. 

Contact Information

For questions or concerns, please contact Watershed Protection Project Manager, Minda Sarmiento or Parks and Recreation Project Manager, Rey Hernandez Jr.