Austin to weigh extra $9M for Barton Springs Road Bridge design work

Kelsey Thompson
·1 min read

Editor’s note: The above video is from Nov. 29, 2023, prior to Austin City Council’s approval of design work on Barton Springs Road Bridge in December 2023.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin City Council on Thursday will consider adding an additional $9 million to design work on the city’s Barton Springs Road Bridge project.

Council approved in December the recommended design alternative to replace the existing bridge crossing Barton Creek. That bridge — located near Azie Morton Road and Barton Springs Road — was first built in 1925 before a 1946 expansion.

PAST COVERAGE: Austin OKs design work for Barton Springs bridge replacement

City officials have previously noted existing issues with the bridge’s dimensions, sidewalks and bike lanes that aren’t compliant with today’s design standards. While the bridge is in fair condition currently, staff stressed to council late last year the importance of getting ahead of any structural issues to come as the current bridge ages.

The additional $9 million in funding would bring the engineering services contract to a total “not to exceed $11,863,005,” per city documents. That funding is provided through the Austin Transportation and Public Works Department’s capital budget, documents confirmed.

Under the three-span structure replacement, the reconstructed bridge will widen the deck and include bicycle and pedestrian facilities, city documents said. (Courtesy: City of Austin Capital Delivery Services)
Under the three-span structure replacement, the reconstructed bridge will widen the deck and include bicycle and pedestrian facilities, city documents said. (Courtesy: City of Austin Capital Delivery Services)

Following council’s prior action in December, the new Barton Springs Road Bridge will be a three-span bridge that features Y-shaped piers. Officials added the selected design will provide “a more open view” to pedestrians and paddlers crossing underneath the bridge, as well as extra space for the Zilker Eagle train track and the hike and bike trail.

Design work on the project is expected to take 26 months to finish. City leaders have not greenlit funding for construction work yet.

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