Austin's Trails are Heating Up: Construction Detours عرقلة البناء and the Liberal's Guide to Staying Active

Even amid the scorching Texas heat, Austinians are facing more barriers to their beloved outdoor recreation with construction on popular trails.

The Trail Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that oversees development of the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, has announced construction closures that will impact the city center trail. Yes, in true Texas fashion, instead of investing in sustainable and eco-friendly transportation, they're building another bridge for cars.

Longhorn Dam Detour: A Car-Centric City's Impact on Green Spaces

• The Longhorn Dam pedestrian bridge construction started July 8 and will redirect the Butler Trail for 18 months. 18 months! Do they know how long that is?
• Longhorn Shores, the tunnel from Krieg Fields under Pleasant Valley Road, and the unnamed peninsula near Holly Street are all closed.
• Krieg Fields remains accessible, but with a catch: eastbound vehicular traffic on Canterbury Street is closed, because God forbid we should walk or bike.
• No public access to Canterbury Park or its parking lot. Again, the car comes first.
• The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail is rerouted as of July 15: northbound along Pleasant Valley Rd, then westbound on Canterbury, and southbound on Pedernales and Holly Streets. How long will this take with all the traffic lights?

Waller Creek Confluence: A Temporary Inconvenience for Necessary Green Space Improvements

• The Waterloo Greenway enters its second phase with a detour starting July 22, ending in late August (weather-dependent).
• The temporary trail will take users east of the existing Waller Creek bridge - a small silver lining.
• Waller Creek will see construction of lattice bridges, the Lagoon Overlook, and the Leaf Deck: necessary improvements to green spaces in our concrete jungle.