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The Confluence Project is the second phase of the Waterloo Greenway project within the Waller Creek District.

This project was formerly referred to as Creek Mouth or Creek Delta. The approximately 13-acre project will improve the stability and ecology of over 2,500 feet of Waller Creek, from 4th Street to where the creek joins Lady Bird Lake. We will improve water quality and aesthetics as well as allow for the creation of a continuous hike and bike trail along the creek. 

Construction Status

January 9, 2024: Most work continues to be near Third and Fourth Streets. The eastbound lane of Third St. between I-35 and Red River remains closed. The contractor is currently working on: 

  • A biofiltration pond to improve water quality in Waller Creek
  • A creek level walkway between Third and Fourth Streets,
  • An elevated walkway near the pond, and
  • The new Cypress Grove Bridge over Waller Creek. 

Our contractor is also working south of Cesar Chavez within the creek. A public trail that connects Cesar Chavez to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail will be closed for the duration of the project. The trail is next to the Lakeside Apartments. 

Map showing trail closure

The map shows the trail closure for The Confluence as well as a nearby sidewalk closure for  private construction. 

Meet the Contractor

Below is a recording of the virtual Meet the Contractor on April 18, 2023, or you can view the slides (26 MB).

Vision

The vision for The Confluence includes: 

  • Sustainable SITES Initiative certification, which recognizes projects that use nature-based solutions to increase resiliency
  • A restored creek habitat that integrates green water quality infrastructure 
  • Four trail bridges, including three lightweight suspension bridges south of Cesar Chavez
  • Approximately one mile of new and improved trails, including a creek-level trail and elevated boardwalk. 

Location 

Map showing the Confluence

The Confluence is shown in green on this map.

Construction Impacts

  • Work will be between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekdays and potentially some weekends.
  • A portion of Palm Park will be closed during construction for a staging area. The playground, picnic tables, and stone shelter house will remain open.
  • Part of Third St. will be closed, including the sidewalk near the Convention Center pond.
  • Fencing will be installed around active construction and staging areas. Additional staging and storage will be at:
    • The Waller Creek Tunnel inlet facility between 4th and 5th Streets
    • On the west bank of Waller Creek, south of Cesar Chavez
    • The Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center parking lot. This parking lot is currently closed to the public for the ESB-MACC Phase 2 Improvement Project.
  • There will be temporary traffic controls near access points.
  • There will be no immediate impacts to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Any potential trail impacts in the future will be coordinated with The Trail Conservancy and communicated to the public.
  • You may notice trucks, equipment, dust, and noise.

Timeline 

The project is currently in the construction phase. Construction for this project is expected to begin in Spring 2023 and be completed by the end of 2025. 

Please note that as in any construction project, schedules are projected as accurately as possible. All dates are subject to change due to the nature of construction and the weather. 

Read this news release for more information on the construction contract.

Cost

The estimated construction cost, including contingencies, is $75 million dollars.

The Confluence is funded by a combination of City funding, federal funding and private philanthropy.

  • The Waterloo Greenway Conservancy has committed $13 million dollars towards the project.
  • The City of Austin funding totals over $50 million. It comes from the Tax Increment Financing Zone No. 17 fund and multiple departments, including Watershed Protection, Parks and Recreation, Development Services, Austin Energy, Convention Center, and Austin Water. The Tax Increment Financing Zone only uses funds generated from the increased property values and property taxes within a portion of the Waller Creek District.
  • The project has received approximately $9 million in federal funding from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.  

Boards and Commissions 

The project team reports to the following boards and commissions: 

Email Updates 

Email Joan Esquivel to receive future email updates about the project. 

Contacts  

 

Related Links
Waller Creek District and Tunnel
Waterloo Greenway Conservancy