City looks to expand parking and trails at Pennybacker Bridge

During its last meeting of the year, City Council made a move that its members hope will improve access to the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook for years to come.

Council members voted unanimously to move forward with eminent domain proceedings to acquire about 1.5 acres near the Loop 360 overlook for an estimated $167,186. The land along Courtyard Drive will allow for safer access, public parking and expanded sidewalks and trails at the overlook.

According to city documents, the city previously attempted to purchase the property but was unable to agree on a value for the land. As a result, the Law Department requested City Council authorization to move forward with eminent domain proceedings and pay an amount to be determined by an appraisal process.

The vote was of particular import for Council Member Alison Alter, who was attending her last meeting as a member of the body representing District 10, where the bridge is located.

“The Pennybacker Bridge serves as an iconic symbol of Central Texas,” she said. “You’ve all been there, but the parking and access to this area presents some safety concerns. With the renovations of 360, it’s even going to be more of a problem, and so this acquisition is allowing us to provide safe access to the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook.”

“(I)t will also allow TxDOT to build a large and safe parking zone. It will secure an easement for a sidewalk trail and recreational use that will expand the overlook area,” Alter continued. “I’m very excited that this process will be moving forward. And I hope that everything goes smoothly so that our community can continue to enjoy that favorite spot that everyone has.”

The overlook project is taking place with the knowledge that construction will soon start on TxDOT’s improvements to the intersection at Courtyard Drive. According to city documents, that project – the Loop 360 Courtyard Drive/RM 2222 Project – “removes the traffic signal on the main lanes and replaces it with an underpass. The new intersection configuration will remove the shoulders where vehicles currently park to access the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook.”

Photo made available through a Creative Commons license.

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Posted In: Planning, District 10