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. The Watershed Protection Department is managing and funding the project. Construction is anticipated to begin in early November 2024. The Parks Department has built a new trail connection to Toomey Road that will act as the temporary trail detour during construction and will remain after the conclusion of the project. City Council District 9
Project Update
On August 29, 2024, City Council approved the contract for the work to stabilize the failed slope. During the construction, a section of the Roy and Ann Butler Trail will need to be closed, and trail users will be detoured to the new trail connection at Toomey Rd. 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. We appreciate your patience and understanding. The streambank work is scheduled to begin in late November 2024 and be completed in the summer of 2025 depending on weather.
In July 2024, the Parks and Recreation Departments 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 complete 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
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 and has now moved into the design phase. Due to the limited space, slopes, and desire to save trees where possible, the recommended stabilization solution is anticipated to include a combination of low limestone block retaining wall, stabilizing rock rip rap and riparian buffers.
PARD and The Trail Conservancy have been working with the Watershed Protection Department on this slope and bank stabilization project. Due to the delicate structural and environmental nature of this scope, Watershed Protection is managing and funding the project, including the design, permitting, and construction of the stabilization work.
As a repair project, the community will be notified when work is to begin and informed of the solutions being provided to assist in the understanding of the site issues and expectations for the performance of the solution provided.
Anticipated Project Schedule
- Preliminary Engineering Report: Completed March 2022
- Design and Permitting Phase: Completed Spring 2024
- New Trail Connection Construction: Completed October 2024
- Construction: November 2024, complete summer 2025
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 D’Anne Williams, Parks and Recreation Department Project Manager, by email or at 512-974-9456.