On May 4, 2018, there was a landslide on a cliff overlooking Shoal Creek just south of the park parking lot on Shoal Creek Boulevard and north of 24th street. The debris from the landslide took out a portion of the greenbelt trail and a section of a wastewater line located under the trail. The area affected is closed for public safety. The slope has begun to settle but is not in a condition that supports public access. The trail has been detoured to the sidewalk along Lamar and connects to the west bank trail at limestone stairs crossing the creek, south of the slope failure and north of Shoal Creek Blvd. The Parks Department has replaced the existing 5' wide sidewalk with a 12' wide sidewalk along Lamar Blvd. across the creek from the impacted trail section to accommodate additional recreational use. The new trail section is complete and open to the public. In 2025, the Transportation and Public Works Department will begin widening other sections of the sidewalk to meet multi-use trail standards and accommodate recreational use. City Council District 9

Background

On Friday, May 4, 2018, there was a landslide on a cliff that overlooks Shoal Creek. No one was injured, but there was significant damage to public and private property. Part of the Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail was destroyed, debris partially blocked Shoal Creek, a wastewater line was broken, some homes lost large sections of their backyards and a storm drain outfall on Wooldridge Dr. was damaged. Completed repairs and projects on a new trail are listed below. The original trail will remain closed to the public for safety. 

Completed Projects

Austin Water 

  • Completed wastewater infrastructure repairs on the east side of Shoal Creek and along Lamar Blvd. in July 2018.
  • Installed a rerouted connection for the wastewater line.

Watershed Protection Department

  • Stabilized the east creek bank to prevent additional land loss and to protect two heritage trees
  • Rerouted the storm drain system on Wooldridge Drive. 

Trail Improvements

The Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) worked with Public Works, Austin Transportation, Shoal Creek Conservancy, and Pease Park Conservancy to develop improvements to the current trail detour, and sidewalk along Lamar Blvd. to benefit public and recreational use. 

  • New nature trail completed Spring 2021
  • Sidewalk widened from 5 feet to 12 feet along Lamar Blvd. across the creek. Completed October 2024. 

Map of the area impacted on the greenbelt by the hillside failure

Current Project Description

In 2025, the Transportation and Public Works Department will begin widening other sections of the sidewalk to meet multi-use trail standards and accommodate recreational use. Anticipated timeline coming soon.

Permit drawing of proposed new trail detour

Community Engagement

A public meeting was held in July 2018. Memos related to the project are collected below.

Memos to Mayor and Council
  • Overview Memo to Mayor and Council May 2018 memo
  • Update Memo to Mayor and Council May 2018 memo
  • Update Memo to Mayor and Council July 2018 memo
  • Update Memo to Mayor and Council November 2018 memo
  • Update Memo to Mayor and Council April 2019 memo
  • Update Memo to Mayor and Council July 2019 memo
  • Update Memo to Mayor and Council January 2020 memo

Contact Information

For more information, contact D’Anne Williams, Project Manager, Parks and Recreation by email or at (512) 974-9456.