Upgrades will soon be made to the Loop 360 overlook trail by Pennybacker Bridge, following eminent domain proceedings filed by Austin City Council in December.

Alison Alter, who formerly represented Austin’s 10th district, said current parking and access to the area presents visitors with safety concerns.

The overview

The general route of the project is along the west side of North Capital of Texas Highway between Lake Austin and Courtyard Drive, according to city documents.

“This acquisition is allowing us to provide safe access to the Pennybacker Bridge overlook, and it will also allow the Texas Department of Transportation to bring a large and safe parking zone,” Alter said at the Dec. 12 meeting. “We will secure an easement for sidewalk, trail and recreational use that will expand the overlook area, given some prior work that we have done in the area.”

The history

The land that will be acquired is currently owned by 360 Overlook, LLC, and is located at 5379 W. Courtyard Drive, Austin. The city has previously attempted to purchase this property, but was unable to reach an agreement with the property owners on the cost of the acquisition, according to city documents.

As a result, the city filed eminent domain proceedings in order to acquire the property. The needed property is currently appraised at $167,186.

“I’m very excited that this process will be moving forward and I hope that everything goes smoothly so that our community can continue to enjoy that favorite spot,” Alter said.

What else?

The acquisition is in support of TxDOT’s Loop 360 Overlook Project, which will see improvements made to the intersection at Courtyard Drive. The new intersection will see shoulders on the road removed, where many vehicles currently park to access the Pennybacker Bridge overlook.