Waterloo Greenway Marks a Milestone with the Opening of the Hartman Bridge on the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
Austin, TX — January 27, 2025 – After several months of detours along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail for Waterloo Greenway Phase II: The Confluence, a newly completed bridge and realigned trail are now open to the public. The Hartman Bridge, located over Waller Creek, officially opened on the morning of January 27, 2025, with a celebratory event that included a special opening moment with a photo opportunity, free coffee, and treats for trail-goers.
“The opening of the Hartman Bridge is an important moment for the community and a visible milestone in the transformation of Waller Creek,” said John Rigdon, Chief Planning and Design Officer at Waterloo Greenway Conservancy. “Not only does it create an enhanced connection along the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, but it also symbolizes our shared commitment to connecting Austin’s natural beauty with its vibrant urban fabric.”
The opening of the Hartman Bridge marks a significant milestone in the development of Waterloo Greenway Phase II: The Confluence, as well as the urban landscape of downtown Austin. This new pedestrian bridge replaces the previous one along the frequently-used Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail – a beloved and popular space known to attract locals and visitors alike. Wider with a new alignment, the new bridge facilitates smoother traffic movement and immerses people in the natural environment of Waller Creek, integrating nature with the city’s bustling atmosphere. This project is a testament to Waterloo Greenway and the City of Austin’s ongoing commitment to weaving natural spaces into downtown Austin’s growing urban landscape, providing green spaces that foster community, connection, and sustainability. The opening of the Hartman Bridge not only improves the trail experience but also advances the vision of a safe, accessible, vibrant, and nature-infused downtown.
To celebrate the opening of the first publicly accessible component of Phase II, Waterloo Greenway and the City of Austin marked the occasion with a fun and memorable photo opportunity as a goat “opened” the Hartman Bridge by nibbling through an alfalfa string. Additionally, passersby on the Butler Trail were treated to coffee and pastries while learning about the broader Waterloo Greenway project.
To complete the construction of Waterloo Greenway, the Conservancy is raising funds from the Austin community. Significant progress has been made with $70M in generous support raised to date. To complete construction of Phase II, $13.5M in philanthropic support is needed. Phase II of the project includes trails, park spaces, and creek restoration from Lady Bird Lake up to 4th Street as well as the revitalization of the historic Sir Swante Palm Park.
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy and the City of Austin ceremonially broke ground on Phase II: The Confluence in May 2023, the next phase of Waterloo Greenway’s comprehensive plan to revitalize Waller Creek and create a 1.5-mile greenway stretching from Waterloo Park at its north, all the way to Lady Bird Lake. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
Key features of Phase II will include:
● Three lightweight pedestrian truss bridges, creating new east-west connections;
● Universally accessible pedestrian and bike trails connecting 4th St. to Rainey St. and Lady Bird Lake;
● 800-foot boardwalk under Red River St. and Cesar Chavez St.;
● Public greenspaces including Lagoon Overlook, Explorer Garden, and Lakeview Terrace that can be utilized for community events and gatherings; and
● Native Central Texas landscaping featuring more than 1,550 new trees and 200,000 mature plants that will improve downtown air quality, enhance ecological function, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
This transformational project is made possible by a unique partnership between Waterloo Greenway Conservancy, a non-profit organization, and the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection, Parks and Recreation, and Capital Delivery Services departments. Phase II is being funded through a combination of public funding from the City of Austin and Federal Government through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as well as philanthropic donations. Waterloo Greenway Conservancy is actively fundraising for the final philanthropic funds necessary for construction. For more information, visit our website and follow Waterloo Greenway on Facebook and Instagram (@WaterlooGreenway).