The City of Austin is making progress on plans for expanding a new urban trail in east Austin. Now, it’s time for Austin residents to weigh in on whether the project is on track.
The MoKan Trail Preliminary Engineering Phase Virtual Open House, launched today, debuts recommendations for the trail’s alignment and design features. The open house is available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, seven days a week through Sunday April 23, 2023.
The open house focuses on six segments of the .75-mile trail extension between North Pleasant Valley Road and Springdale Road, each with unique design challenges and considerations. Surveys in English and Spanish
“I’m pleased to see Austin’s Mobility Bond dollars put to work in east Austin,” said Council Member José Velásquez, who represents District 3. “Investing in trails is crucial to meeting our City’s mobility goals for walking, biking and transit. We need residents to get involved to make this trail the best it can be.”
During the open house comment period, the MoKan Trail project team is providing four opportunities to meet the team, ask questions and provide feedback in person:
Friday, March 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Flitch Coffee
Thursday, March 30 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Southern Walnut Creek Trail in Govalle Neighborhood Park
Saturday, April 15 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Austin Public Library Cepeda Branch*
Wednesday, April 19 from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. at the Southern Walnut Creek Trail in Govalle Neighborhood Park
*Spanish interpretation available at this date. Un intérprete de español estará disponible durante este hora.
“It’s important to us to get the public involved early in the project process so they can provide meaningful input,” James Snow, Austin Public Works Interim Director, said. “And we want to make every effort to meet people where they are, rather than ask them to come to us.”
Plans for this trail connection have been years in the making. Once complete, the entire 1.5-mile MoKan Trail will connect an existing protected bike path on Pedernales Street to the Southern Walnut Creek Trail system. The trail will also connect to the Project Connect Green Line Pleasant Valley Transfer Station.
Austin Public Works’ Urban Trails Program is managing the project through all phases of design, construction, and inspection. Funding sources for the trail include the voter-approved 2020 Mobility Bond and $1 million in federal Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Lloyd Doggett.
Residents can learn more and subscribe for project updates at the project website: AustinTexas.gov/
