New parking rules near Lady Bird Lake trail start in January

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Those driving to the Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail during the week will have to re-strategize their parking plans, following new changes from the city of Austin.

Officials announced Monday parking on Stephen F. Austin Drive between West Cesar Chavez Street and Veterans Drive will be reserved for Austin High School students between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on weekdays.

The new parking rule takes effect on Jan. 6, after students return from the holiday break.

Stephen F. Austin Drive is owned privately by Austin ISD, "which allows public access through an interlocal agreement" with the city of Austin, per the announcement. The spots will still be available for public parking before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m. on weekdays, all day on the weekends and on school break, officials noted.

Public parking access will remain along Veterans Drive and in the parking lot located beneath MoPac.

Beginning Jan. 6, Austin ISD Police will assist in enforcing the changes, and signs in the area have already been posted to alert drivers of the planned rules. In the event that parking restriction hours and/or days change, the signs will be updated with the new permitted public parking times.