City completes safety upgrades near Zilker Elementary in South Austin

Safety improvements along routes to Zilker Elementary School are now complete, according to an update from city of Austin officials.

The details

City officials said the upgrades are designed to make it safer for students and families to walk and bike to and from campus. The work included a curb extension at the intersection of Rundell Place and Ann Arbor Avenue, as well as the installation of three flashing solar-powered school zone beacons at Ann Arbor Avenue by Zilker Neighborhood Park, at Rundell Place near Bluebonnet Lane, and at Rundell Place near Ann Arbor Avenue.

Additional pedestrian safety measures include six new crossing islands along Bluebonnet Lane at Ashby Avenue, Ford Street and Anita Drive, and a midblock crossing across from Zilker Neighborhood Park, Arpdale Street and Meadowridge Drive. A protected two-way bike lane was also added along Rundell Place from Bluebonnet Lane to Rabb Road.

The improvements were funded through the city’s 2016 and 2020 mobility bond programs and completed as part of Austin’s $27.5 million Safe Routes to School, pedestrian crossings and bikeways initiatives, according to city documents.