Project Name: Great Northern Trail to Schwab Road Infrastructure
Project Type: Shared-Use Path Construction and Multimodal Enhancements
Applicant: The City of Schertz, in partnership with Great Springs Project

This project will construct approximately 3 miles of 10-foot-wide concrete shared-use path. One segment will extend from FM 1103 north along the LCRA utility corridor to Cypress Point. A second segment will begin at the eastern terminus of Schwab Road (east of IH-35) and continue along Schwab Road to the Schertz Dry Comal Nature Park near FM 482.

To enhance user experience and comfort, the project includes three rest areas spaced at intervals of less than one mile. Each rest area will feature a concrete pad, bench, drinking fountain, and native landscaping to provide shaded, accessible points for rest and hydration.
This project also calls for the inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian amenities, installation of pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHBs), and structural accommodations such as bank cuts to enable safe access beneath the IH-35 overpass. Additionally, the project will construct a new culvert and overhang structure to ensure safe passage beneath the Union Pacific railroad crossing.

The City of Schertz is actively expanding its trail network to enhance non-vehicular mobility, particularly benefiting residents in the northern regions by providing improved access to the city's west side and neighboring Comal County. A centerpiece of this initiative is the Great Northern Trail, an 8-mile multi-use path extending from Schertz Parkway to the Cypress Point neighborhood. The initial half-mile segment, opened in July 2021, runs from Schertz Parkway to Wiederstein Road and has been well received by the community. A subsequent section on Cibolo Valley Baptist Church property at FM 1103 was also completed, with future to connect to the Riata neighborhood.

These trail developments are integral to Schertz's broader vision of promoting active transportation and regional connectivity. The city's collaboration with the Great Springs Project aims to create a regional trail system linking four of Texas’ iconic springs: Barton Springs, San Marcos Springs, Comal Springs, and San Antonio Springs. Schertz's trail plans, including connections from Great Northern Trail to the Dry Comal Creek Trail (New Braunfels) and Cibolo Creek Trail (Selma).

In addition to recreational benefits, these trails serve as safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, connecting neighborhoods to parks, schools, and other community amenities.

The city's commitment to trail development not only enhances the quality of life for its residents but also fosters environmental conservation and sustainable growth.

Approve Resolution 25-R-079 authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to TxDOT for Transportation Alternatives funding, and enter into an Advanced Funding Agreement with TxDOT if the project is selected for The Great Northern Trail design and construction. 

The project is being submitted for federal funding consideration through the TxDOT Transportation Alternatives (TA) Program, which requires a minimum 20% local match.  The total estimated cost for the project is $7,735,094.48 and the city's contribution would be $1,547,018.90.  Funding is anticipated to come from a combination of future projected Parkland Dedication Fund revenues as well as future CO Bonds.  Working with the Planning Division we were able to project the maximum potential Parkland Dedication fees at $4,190,000, and conservatively halving that to account for the potential of 50% credit given for private parkland development, there is the ability to project $2,095,000 in revenues to the Parkland Dedication Fund over the next few years.  This is just with known development pending.  Currently, in the Capital Improvement Program, there is $4 million planned in 2028-2033 for Pickrell Park Pool renovation and Crescent Bend Nature Park Phase II and one of those projects could be pushed back to fund this project if the application is selected.  There is also the option to seek funding from the Schertz Economic Development Corporation to fund this quality of life project and city staff will explore all funding possibilities to fund the 20% match if the project is selected by TxDOT.

Approve Resolution 25-R-079 authorizing the City Manager to submit an application to TxDOT for Transportation Alternatives funding, and enter into an Advanced Funding Agreement with TxDOT if the project is selected for The Great Northern Trail design and construction.