Cedar Park council approves Mobility Master Plan trails amendments to boost eastern connectivity

The Cedar Park City Council on March 26 approved amendments to the Mobility Master Plan Trails Plan that designate several new primary and secondary shared-use paths intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle connectivity in eastern parts of the city.

Assistant Director of Engineering Randy Skinner reviewed six recommended revisions tied to a Buttercup Creek Blvd./W. Park St. shared-use path feasibility study. The revisions include designating the Buttercup Creek Blvd. SUP between Lakeline Blvd. and Bell Blvd. as a Primary Trail; designating the W. Park Street SUP between Lakeline Blvd. and Bell Blvd. as a Secondary Trail; designating the utility-easement SUP between Park Street and Timber Trail as a Primary Trail; adding a secondary SUP along the north side of RM 1431/Whitestone Blvd. from Parmer Lane/Ronald Reagan Blvd. to Sam Bass Rd.; adding a secondary SUP along the west side of Sam Bass Rd. from New Hope Dr. to E. Whitestone Blvd.; and moving a secondary trail designation between Vista Ridge Blvd and Parmer Lane/Ronald Reagan Blvd. from the south side of RM 1431 to the north side to maintain consistency with existing crossings.

Councilmember Mel Kirkland removed the item from the consent agenda to allow discussion before bringing a motion; the Council approved the resolution authorizing the amendment 7-0. City staff said the changes were recommended to improve connectivity to the Bell District, Bell Park and the Williamson County Regional Park and to make use of existing shared-use paths and bridge crossings.