About 80 students from Austin ISD’s Wooldridge Elementary School walked to school Oct. 12 on the upgraded walking route between Navarro Early College High School and Wooldridge Elementary at 1412 Norseman Terrace, Austin. The walk that began at 7 a.m. in the Quail Creek neighborhood included students, parents and representatives from the Safe Routes to School Program and Safe Kids Austin to mark Walk to School Day.

The walking route has been under repair since September 2021. Austin Public Works and Austin Transportation Departments have worked to repair existing sidewalks; construct curb extensions and a raised crosswalk; add pedestrian crossing islands; create intersection improvements; and complete drainage work within 2 miles of Wooldridge Elementary, Navarro High School and the Settlement Home for Children.

"These amenities expand access to parks [and] schools, and create safe places to walk within an underserved community, enabling residents to live a healthier and more vibrant lifestyle,” said Austin City Council Member José “Chito” Vela, who attended Walk to School Day.

The improvements will cost more than $3 million and are funded through several sources, including voter-approved Austin Mobility Bonds. They are based on needs identified in Austin's Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Reports and the Austin Strategic Mobility Plan.