The cities of Cedar Park and Leander have both been taking steps to connect sidewalks throughout the two cities and continue to identify new spots to fill.

Through a sidewalk gap closure program that was created in 2009, Cedar Park has filled $290,000 worth of gaps in sidewalks. The program identified $1.2 million in gaps throughout the city and first focused on sidewalks near arterial roadways, Senior Engineering Associate Tom Gdala said.

Cedar Park’s list of projects were broken down into three categories: gaps that could be filled through development projects, gaps that could be closed when the city builds or improves a roadway, and gaps that would be dependent on the city—or where sidewalks would not be built in any determined timeline.

Cedar Park has completed two phases of its gap closure project, entered into the third phase and is planning the fourth and the fifth phases. Gdala said the engineering department is open to hear what City Council would like to do for future phases.

Gdala also said some of the sidewalk projects identified along arterial roadways have the potential for federal funds. The city received approval to be reimbursed with federal funds for 80 percent of the construction costs of the pedestrian bridge on Whitestone Boulevard by Costco. The city will also apply for reimbursement for the Brushy Creek Regional Trail extension connection from Little Elm Trail and Twin Creeks YMCA as well as another connection by Parmer Lane and Brushy Creek Road.

“So there’s still great opportunities for funding and for additional projects,” Gdala said.

The city of Leander has been filling in sidewalk gaps for about the past 18 months, Public Works Director Pat Womack said. Filling five gaps in sidewalks cost approximately $51,500, and Womack said filling future gaps will be dependent on future funding, approval and
scheduling.