Project Status - August 2026 

Construction continues on the Waller Beach Duct Bank Upgrade, a project to improve electrical capacity and reliability in downtown Austin.

  • Crews anticipate beginning exit shaft excavation on Trinity Street the week of August 31.

  • The trail detour in front of the Boathouse remains in place.

  • The temporary covered walkway near the Boathouse is complete.

  • A crane is scheduled to be mobilized in front of the Boathouse on Wednesday, August 26. Delivery and unloading may briefly slow traffic in the cul-de-sac

  • Crews expect to mobilize tunneling equipment on Brazos Street in the coming weeks. During equipment arrival, unloading and demobilization:

    • Equipment may temporarily occupy one traffic lane.

    • Incoming traffic may experience brief delays, while traffic exiting the area should experience minimal disruption.

    • Normal traffic flow will resume after crews unload the equipment.

    • Crews will schedule mobilization and unloading during lower-traffic hours whenever practical to minimize disruptions.

What to Expect During Construction:

  • All parking lots, garages, and loading ramps will remain accessible.
  • Street parking on Brazos south of Cesar Chavez will be unavailable during construction.
  • Work is expected to take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with occasional weekend work if approved by the City.

Aerial view that shows where the staging areas at the end of Brazos Street south of Cesar Chavez

View of the construction zone and staging areas on Brazos Street south of Cesar Chavez

Frequently Asked Questions

The project is installing 1,000 feet of underground duct bank and new electrical manholes to route power from the Rainey Street substation into the downtown network.

As downtown Austin continues to grow, additional electrical capacity is needed to support new development and ensure reliable service. 

This location was selected based on engineering requirements and the need to connect the Rainey Street substation to the existing downtown electrical network.

Beginning in July 2026, a portion of the trail will be temporarily rerouted, with clear signage to guide visitors.

Construction is expected to begin in May 2026 and last approximately one year, with work occurring in phases.

Crews will follow traffic control plans that may cause increased traffic on Brazos Street during equipment mobilization. Street parking on Brazos south of Cesar Chavez will be unavailable during construction, but access to parking garages and nearby properties will be maintained.

 

City teams coordinate across departments to minimize overlap where possible, but some projects must occur at the same time due to scheduling, funding, and infrastructure needs.

The contractor will maintain access to businesses, residences, and surrounding destinations throughout construction.

The contractor will complete the work in phases, use traffic control measures, and apply construction methods such as micro-tunneling to reduce surface disruption and protect parkland and trees.

For more information or to submit questions:               

Carolyn Perez, Community Engagement Consultant                                  Carolyn.perez@austinenergy.com