ACL Live at the Moody Theater
Consider the Spur
RECEIVED Wed., June 19, 2024
Dear Editor,
As Austin struggles with Project Connect, the lawsuits surrounding it and significant cost overruns in implementing the plan, perhaps it is time for the city leadership and Capital Metro to consider a practical first step that is not currently part of the plan. As a member of the community I propose that we consider the Bergstrom Spur.
Instead of making it a walking trail through a primarily industrial warehouse area of South Austin, utilize it for what it was intended (a rail line from Bergstrom to South Austin). It all goes back to the days when Bergstrom was an air force base and needed logistical rail support. As a consequence, a spur line was built from the main Union Pacific line, just south of Ben White Boulevard to the air force base. The track with its right of way is still there.
Obviously the track and signaling would need to be upgraded, but it would be significantly cheaper than creating a new line (years in the future) running down Riverside Drive. The Spur goes from Bergstrom along Burleson Road, underneath I-35, past Industrial Boulevard, and crosses south Congress and South First Street on its way to its connection with the Union Pacific line.
Interestingly, it goes directly behind the South Congress Capital Metro bus station. As an inter-modal transit point, it would allow people to get from the airport to points all over Austin. At some point in the future the rail line could then be built down South Congress to downtown. Perhaps now is the time to consider this idea.
As Austin struggles with Project Connect, the lawsuits surrounding it and significant cost overruns in implementing the plan, perhaps it is time for the city leadership and Capital Metro to consider a practical first step that is not currently part of the plan. As a member of the community I propose that we consider the Bergstrom Spur.
Instead of making it a walking trail through a primarily industrial warehouse area of South Austin, utilize it for what it was intended (a rail line from Bergstrom to South Austin). It all goes back to the days when Bergstrom was an air force base and needed logistical rail support. As a consequence, a spur line was built from the main Union Pacific line, just south of Ben White Boulevard to the air force base. The track with its right of way is still there.
Obviously the track and signaling would need to be upgraded, but it would be significantly cheaper than creating a new line (years in the future) running down Riverside Drive. The Spur goes from Bergstrom along Burleson Road, underneath I-35, past Industrial Boulevard, and crosses south Congress and South First Street on its way to its connection with the Union Pacific line.
Interestingly, it goes directly behind the South Congress Capital Metro bus station. As an inter-modal transit point, it would allow people to get from the airport to points all over Austin. At some point in the future the rail line could then be built down South Congress to downtown. Perhaps now is the time to consider this idea.
Sam C. Wilson
