The City of Austin, Texas, received a $32 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation this week to fund the replacement of the Barton Springs Road Bridge.
Part of the Bridge Investment Program, the grant will help Austin replace the existing 99-year-old south bridge structure, as well as the 78-year-old north bridge structure, with a new bridge that will widen the current bridge deck. Officials said the current bridge is in fair condition but nearing the end of its useful life. The new bridge will connect to the existing active transportation network on Barton Springs Road, as well as provide bicycle and pedestrian facilities while resolving a pinch point that creates a gap in the Barton Springs Road All Ages and Abilities Bicycle network.
“When I’m not in DC, you can find me playing soccer at Zilker or swimming in Barton Springs,” U.S. Rep. Greg Casar (D-TX) said. “But all of us know that scary feeling of holding your breath as you walk across the 1920’s bridge towards Barton Springs. With these federal dollars, every driver, biker, and pedestrian will be able to breathe easier. With an improved bridge, we can finally get to these Austin gems safely.”
The city officially recommended replacing the bridge and advancing the project to the design phase in December 2023, but there were no funds at the time for construction. The 2020 Mobility Bond program funded the design of the bridge and the new grant will help fund its construction.
“The replacement of the Barton Springs Road Bridge is not just about enhancing connectivity, it’s about creating a more accessible environment for all Austin residents,” Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “This grant will help us continue in our goal of building a vibrant, diverse transportation network.”