City of Austin and Austin ISD officials held a press conference on April 27 to celebrate the completion of almost $2 million in sidewalk improvements in Tarrytown.
The work, completed through the Austin Transportation and Austin Public Works departments, included several safety and mobility improvements near Casis Elementary School and O. Henry Middle School.
“While these safe routes are created for students and families, the improvements benefit everyone who walks, bikes, or rolls in the neighborhood,” Mayor Pro Tem Alison Alter said. “Even drivers will benefit.”
The sidewalk project took place in District 10, which Alter represents, on Exposition Boulevard from Bonnie Road to West 35th Street.
The project included:
- the addition or rehabilitation of three miles of sidewalk
- the repainting or installation of 40 curb ramps
- the addition of 1,000 feet of new curb and gutters
Additionally, nine pedestrian crossings were improved along Exposition Boulevard, Westover Road, and Hillview Road, including the addition of seven crossing islands—safe places for pedestrians to wait in the middle of multi-lane roads while crossing.
An intersection at Bridle Path and Exposition Boulevard was reconfigured to close a slip lane—which allows motorists to turn at an intersection without going through it—and replace it with vegetation. An eight-foot-wide shared use path on the west side of Exposition Boulevard from Gilbert Street to Bonnie Road was also added.
Alana Lilie, assistant principal of Casis Elementary School, said the improvements will make it safer for students to walk or ride bikes to school. She said students who walk or bike to school are typically more active, which has positive mental, physical and academic benefits.
The project began in June 2021. The funding comes from the 2016 and 2018 Mobility Bonds; Austin Public Works’ Safe Routes to School and Sidewalk programs; Austin Transportation’s Pedestrian Crossing and Bicycle programs; and Quarter Cent funding from Alter's office.
An intersection at Bridle Path and Exposition Boulevard was reconfigured to close a slip lane—which allows motorists to turn at an intersection without going through it—and replace it with vegetation. An eight-foot-wide shared use path on the west side of Exposition Boulevard from Gilbert Street to Bonnie Road was also added.
Alana Lilie, assistant principal of Casis Elementary School, said the improvements will make it safer for students to walk or ride bikes to school. She said students who walk or bike to school are typically more active, which has positive mental, physical and academic benefits.
The project began in June 2021. The funding comes from the 2016 and 2018 Mobility Bonds; Austin Public Works’ Safe Routes to School and Sidewalk programs; Austin Transportation’s Pedestrian Crossing and Bicycle programs; and Quarter Cent funding from Alter's office.
