Barton Springs Road Bridge Project

Background

Built in 1925, the Barton Springs Road Bridge provides access over Barton Creek along Barton Springs Road at the entrance to Zilker Park. The bridge was widened to its current form in 1946, which included two traffic lanes in each direction. The Barton Springs Road Safety Project reduced westbound traffic to one lane in August 2023 and added protected bicycle lanes on both sides. The bridge features narrow sidewalks on each side, guardrails and a trail underneath. While the existing bridge is structurally in fair condition, many of its features are functionally obsolete, and it requires replacement to ensure safety and longevity.

Given that the existing bridge presents mobility challenges for vehicles, bikes and pedestrians, this project will provide needed mobility enhancements for all users. Intersection improvements to nearby Barton Springs Road and Azie Morton Drive are necessary as part of this project.

Investment and Project Advancement

In November 2020, Austin voters approved $102 million for major infrastructure projects, with the possibility of allocating a portion of that funding to address the Barton Springs Road Bridge. In December 2023, the Austin City Council officially recommended replacing the bridge and advanced the project to the design phase.

The City of Austin received a $32 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation in November 2024 to help fund construction of the new bridge.