Portions of Brushy Creek Regional Trail close in June through fall 2017

To make way for renovations to Brushy Creek Lake Park’s trail and dam, a portion of Brushy Creek Regional Trail will close in early June and will likely reopen in fall 2017.

The Upper Brushy Creek Water Control and Improvement District, or UBCWCID, is constructing the state-mandated dam-modernization project adjacent to the park.

The dam is located on the park’s trail and is undergoing construction for updated flooding infrastructure needs.

About 4,000 to 4,300 feet of the 7-mile trail is closed, and an alternate trail, which opened in November, is available for patrons. The alternate route runs along Brushy Creek Road and into Champion Park. Brushy Creek Lake Park will remain open during renovations. Williamson County Parks and Recreation Director Randy Bell said the alternate route was opened to accommodate continued trail use throughout construction.

“We added this alternate route to ensure continuity of the regional trail [for] a lot of people in their … [exercise] routine,” Bell said.

Ruth Haberman, UBCWCID manager, said seven contractors submitted proposals for the renovation project. UBCWCID’s board is expected to select a contractor by the end of April.

Bell said the portion of the trail on the upside stream of the dam will be widened from 10 feet to 12 feet.

UBCWCID and the county also plan to address erosion issues near the portion of the trail leading into Champion Park.

“We hope after it’s all open that the … improved sections of trail will serve people even better than it does now,” Bell said.