The City of Austin is working to secure additional federal funding to replace the Barton Springs Road Bridge, seeking support to compensate for gaps in the project’s anticipated budget. The project is in the design phase, with construction planned for 2027.
Efforts to rehabilitate and replace the iconic century-old structure have continued for years. The City Council approved negotiations to accept a $32 million federal grant awarded in 2024 during their April 24 meeting.
While it is currently in stable condition, infrastructure inspections have shown that the bridge is showing signs of aging and poses a potential risk to safety. The $32 million grant will cover a majority of the project and will be matched by $8 million in local funds. However, the budget has risen from $36 million to $54.5 million.
The $14.5 million deficit means Austin will need to obtain additional funding or find new ways to scale back the project. While the design phase is ongoing, Austin officials anticipate that they will make revisions to address emerging needs, constraints and concerns. The public will have additional opportunities to provide feedback on the project throughout design and development.
The decision to fully replace the structure has been determined to be the most cost-effective solution as opposed to preserving the existing bridge. Repairs would only extend the lifespan by a decade, while new infrastructure would last up to 75 years.
When completed, the bridge will be wider with extra space for bike lanes and multi-use pedestrian paths on both sides. Austin will realign nearby interchanges to accommodate the new bridge. Plans also include larger spaces for connecting trails and utilizing a three-span structure for numerous water traffic lanes.
Photo Courtesy Larry D. Moore via Wikimedia Commons
