The San Antonio River Authority along with the US Corp of Engineers determined a new approach to the improvements of this part of San Antonio River was long overdue.  It is the lower part of the river, which runs through downtown San Antonio’s famous Riverwalk.  However, this project is much longer and connects the various old Spanish missions for visitors to learn about their history.  The task was to design a concrete hike & bike trail along the river with seating areas, shade structures, large pavilions, special pavement and patterns, pedestrian bridge crossings, trail head parking and restroom facilities.  As well as, special overlook and weir structures to allow people closer access to the river water for fishing and recreation.

Due to the frequent flooding the river generated, special design considerations had to be incorporated in pedestrian bridge crossings, lighting along the trail, and seating.  The scope of this project went from schematic to construction documents. J.R. Phillips finished his design of all these elements in summer of 2009.  Construction of all phases is projected for 2011.

Many sustainable solutions were proposed from collection of rainwater for irrigation to reflective technology to increase the ambient light under roadway bridges to better grow vegetation.  Additionally, solar and wind power generation design solutions were presented by J.R. Phillips design team to power lighting at night for better safety along the trail.

BUDGET:

$10.2 MILLION

DATE DESIGN STARTED:

June 2008

DATE CONST. STARTED:

September 2008

DATE CONST. FINISHED:

August2011

CLIENT:

San Antonio River Authority