Construction begins on ‘mini-boardwalk’ beneath Congress bridge
For years, runners, hikers and cyclists using the trail around Lady Bird Lake encountered a bottleneck as they passed beneath the north end of the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge.
The Butler Hike and Bike Trail narrows at the spot, and an old bridge, just 6 feet wide in spots, turns sharply. Anyone who didn’t pay attention could end up on a collision course with someone coming from the opposite direction. But not for much longer. Construction began at the site this week to replace that more than 40-year-old structure with a sleek 172-foot “mini-boardwalk” that will take users out over the water. Besides a 14-foot-wide bridge, the privately funded project includes a viewing platform where people can rest, watch the bats emerge during summer months or just take in the sights.
“It’s really significant, because the trail skinnies down at that point,” said Dean Glenesk, president of the board of directors of the Trail Foundation. “We’re all about making the trail accessible and safe.”
Robert F. Smith, 55, co-founder of Austin-based private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, donated $1.25 million to kick-start the $2.5 million project. According to Forbes magazine, Smith has a current net worth of $4.4 billion.
“Those of us lucky enough to call Austin home, and the many visitors to this city, use the Butler Trail at Lady Bird Lake every single day,” Smith said in a news release. “An investment in the trail is an investment in Austin’s future — one that will keep our most cherished outdoor asset safe, accessible and enjoyable for many years to come.”
The rest of the project’s money, which has already been raised, comes from private donations, according to Trail Foundation officials.
The new concrete and steel bridge will do more than just