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 June 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.