The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization board approved the trail amendment to its Transportation Improvement Program for Williamson County's portion on March 5.
The original Brushy Creek Regional Trail Phase V project planned an extension from the eastern terminus along Hairy Man Road eastward to the Bathing Beach Park in Round Rock, a distance of approximately 2.7 miles, by September 2018, according to Williamson County's website.
The revised project will begin at Creek Side Plaza on FM 620 and end just before reaching Sam Bass Road, approximately just under one mile northwest along the creek, according to Connie Odom, the Williamson County Public Affairs Manager.
"Construction is planned to begin late fall 2018 or early 2019,” Odom said. "Funding comes from federal participation and Williamson County voter-approved park bonds. The .931 section of trail is the most expensive because this shorter phase of development encompasses the bulk of the higher cost infrastructure such as a pedestrian bridge and boardwalks, and requires more intense site access, clearing and fine grading."
According to CAMPO documents, since the county has not been able to acquire the right-of-way along one-mile of the proposed trail route, Williamson County plans to construct it in at least two segments. The trail will eventually connect entirely once the right-of-way challenges have been overcome, Williamson County Precinct 1 Commissioner Terry Cook said.
"We will continue working with property owners to acquire right-of-way access for this trail," Cook said. "Due to the number of stakeholders involved, the process can be lengthy. The patience of the public is encouraged and appreciated. Our goal remains to complete this revised phase of the Brushy Creek Regional Trail into Round Rock by late summer or early fall 2019."
