This just in from City staff about the Lady Bird Lake trail bridge over Waller Creek being closed until April 29 for asbestos removal. They say you can use the bridge after 5 PM and during the weekends but I’d just avoid asbestos if you can.

A section of the Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail in the vicinity of and Red River Rainey Street will be closed from April 19 to 29 while an asbestos coating is removed from a pedestrian bridge over Waller Creek.  The abatement process is expected to last no more than two weeks, during which time the bridge will be closed to the public during normal business hours (8 a.m.-5p.m.). When work crews are present, the hike and bike trail will be detoured along an alternate route. Both the trail and bridge will be reopened at the end of each work day and on the weekend to minimize disruption.  The bridge is safe for public use since the asbestos is only located underneath. The handrails and decking are not affected in any way.

In fall of 2010, the bridge will be renovated as part of the Waller Creek tunnel project.  In preparation for this work, the City tested materials on the bridge to comply with state, local, and federal asbestos regulations. Test results showed that asbestos was present in a coating underneath the bridge. To follow state and federal air quality regulations, the coating must be removed before it is disturbed during the renovation project.

The abatement team will follow stringent safety measures, including EPA-mandated plastic work barriers, to protect the public and the environment.  For more information, please call 974-7139.

Related posts:

1. Route Report: Sections of Hike & Bike Trail to be closed July 4 ...
2. City asks cyclist to avoid 4th Street near Waller Creek until improvements are finished ...
3. Shoal Creek Trail Closed at 3rd Street until Friday ...
4. Construction begins this week on the Pfluger Bridge Extension ...
5. City of Austin partners with local bike shops on Bike Safety Check at Pfluger Bridge ...