Cedar Park officials have updated the timeline and budget for the planned pedestrian bridge over Bell Boulevard and accompanying trail extension that will connect Lakeline Park to the Brushy Creek Regional Trail and the Twin Lakes Family YMCA campus, according to city staff and paperwork filed on behalf of the city.
What's new
The city filed a permit application for the project with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation on May 18. Fran Irwin, the city’s director of communications and engagement, told Community Impact the filing is part of the city’s ongoing permitting process, which is still being finalized.
The filing also included a new estimated completion date of Feb. 1, 2028. The city had previously planned to complete construction of the bridge by the end of 2027.
Additionally, the filing lists the expected construction cost at $9.7 million. Irwin told Community Impact that the total budget for the pedestrian bridge and trail connection is now anticipated at a total of $13.4 million, after additional funds were transferred to the project from savings on other park projects in the fiscal year 2025-26 budget. Funds for the project will come from a combination of 2022 city bond program money, 2023 Williamson County Parks Bond funds, Community Development Type B Board funding and those savings from other parks projects. City staff originally estimated a total budget of about $6.8 million in 2022.
Why it matters
Mayor Jim Penniman-Morin told Community Impact earlier this year that the pedestrian bridge will become a “landmark” for the city.
“It’ll add a lot of safety but also just be a real welcome mat for the city,” he said. “People driving north from Austin will be like, ‘Wow, I’m entering a new place, and it’s a place where people think it’s special.’”
The pedestrian bridge project complements the city's recently unveiled plan for further developments at Lakeline Park, including new trails, educational opportunities and an elevated walkway through the tree canopy.
Next steps
City staff expect to bring a construction contract to City Council for a vote in fall 2026, Irwin said.
