Redbud Trail Bridge project
As part of the 2012 and 2018 voter‑approved mobility bonds, the Redbud Trail Bridge project is advancing through the design phase. Initially conceived as a full replacement, the project now focuses on rehabilitating key elements of the existing structure where feasible, along with improvements that enhance safety and mobility for people walking and biking.
Background
The 1948 bridge has served the community for decades, but it was not built for modern traffic demands or today's expectations for multimodal access. It experiences increasing pressure from population growth, higher traffic volumes, frequent flooding, and heavy recreational use. The existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities are limited and no longer meet current safety or comfort standards.
To address these challenges, the project includes:
- Rehabilitation of portions of the existing structure, where structurally appropriate, to extend service life and support enhanced multimodal connectivity.
- Improvements that expand and upgrade space for people walking and biking, providing more comfortable, accessible, and safer routes across Lady Bird Lake.
- Construction of a new bridge designed to meet current-day loading conditions, accommodate increasing vehicular traffic, and offer improved safety and expanded multimodal transportation options for bicyclists and pedestrians.
Together, these improvements will create a safer, more reliable crossing while supporting Austin's long-term mobility, recreation, and transportation goals.
Project Limits and Timeline
| Timeframe | Phase | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 – 2027 | Detailed Bridge Design | Investigations and detailed bridge design |
| 2025 – 2027 | Clearance and Permitting | Environmental clearance and permitting |
| Spring/Summer 2027 | Construction Letting | Construction contract letting |
| Summer 2027 – Fall 2031 | Construction | Construction of a new bridge |
Public Outreach
Public Meeting: Thursday, Jan. 30, 2020
This public meeting was held at O. Henry Middle School Cafeteria. As the project moves into the design phase, the purpose of this meeting was to provide an update on project activities and to gather public input.
View meeting materials:
Project background
- Bridge design renderings options
- Proposed improvements
- Environmental Analysis
- Next steps
- Project Fact Sheet
- View Public Comments and Responses
Public Meeting: June 27, 2019
The second public meeting was held at the West Austin Youth Association (WAYA) on June 27, 2019. The purpose of the meeting was to provide an update on project activities and to gather public input.
View meeting materials:
- Background Information
- Previous Public Input and Alternatives
- Proposed Improvements
- Environmental Considerations
- Next Steps
- View project fact sheet
- View Public Comments and Responses
Public Meeting: June 7, 2016
The project team hosted the first public meeting on June 7, 2016, to get community feedback. This feedback informed ongoing alignment considerations.