Notice to Pedestrians and Cyclists: Follow posted pedestrian detours for Cesar Chavez Two-Way Conversion Project

For Immediate Release
March 4, 2008

Contacts: Rick Colbrunn,Project Manager, 974-7089
Jennifer Herber, Public Information Specialist Sr., 974-1444

The City of Austin’s Public Works Department urges pedestrians and cyclists who use the hike-n-bike trail along the south side of Cesar Chavez and near the S. First St. Bridge to pay attention to – and follow – posted pedestrian detours along the trail. The temporary detours are necessary due to work on the Cesar Chavez Two-Way Conversion Project and associated sidewalk and trail improvements. Barricades have been set up throughout the project directing pedestrians to use an alternate route. Unfortunately, many pedestrians have chosen not to follow the detour routes but instead have ignored, dismantled or removed the devices.

While these detours are a temporary inconvenience, they are required to ensure public safety. There is no safe route for a pedestrian through a construction zone of this magnitude, which is in an area with heavy vehicular traffic. Pedestrians that ignore or remove these traffic control devices are not only endangering themselves, but the safety of others who may have followed the detour routes provided if the traffic controls had not been removed. Ignoring or removing these devices is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,500 fine.

Alternate Routes
The hike-n-bike trail along the south side of Cesar Chavez is closed from just east of Congress Ave. to Shoal Creek. Pedestrians are directed to use the sidewalk on the north side of Cesar Chavez from Congress to Guadalupe. The pedestrian bridge on the west side of South First is closed and pedestrians are directed to use the pedestrian bridge on the east side of South First.

About the Project
The project will convert the one-way segment of Cesar Chavez to two-way traffic. The work will include:
Widening Cesar Chavez and adding turn lanes at South First and Congress
Urban enhancements will include a 32’ wide sidewalk on the south side of Cesar Chavez from Congress to Guadalupe. The sidewalk will include two rows of bald cypress, landscaping and park benches, as well as improved access to the hike-n-bike trail.
Replacing deteriorated and undersized storm sewer outfalls between Cesar Chavez and Lady Bird Lake at Guadalupe, Lavaca and Colorado
Eliminating the one-way section of Cesar Chavez between San Antonio and Brazos to allow for two-way traffic

The project is scheduled for completion in May 2008 and the rewards will soon replace the inconvenience we experienced to get there. For more information about the project, see http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/publicworks/cesarchavez/default.htm.