Barton Springs Road Bridge project
Barton Springs Road Bridge project
In Design
Barton Springs Road Bridge Replacement
Planned safety and mobility improvements near Zilker Park
The City of Austin is advancing plans to replace the Barton Springs Road Bridge and improve connections for people driving, walking and biking. The bridge crosses Barton Creek at the entrance to Zilker Park. City Council directed staff to pursue replacement in December 2023. Design and environmental review are underway.
Community Open House
Monday, November 16, 2026 | 5–7 p.m.
Dougherty Arts Center, 1110 Barton Springs Road, Austin, TX
Join us to review current plans, ask questions and speak with project representatives from the City, TxDOT and partner departments.
The open house is not the formal NEPA public hearing. Information about the public comment period and future formal hearing will be posted when dates and participation instructions are confirmed.
Project Overview
A detailed inspection identified deterioration in several parts of the existing bridge. Engineers evaluated rehabilitation and replacement and recommended replacement as the more durable long-term option. The City’s current project information says a new bridge is expected to provide a longer service life for a similar investment.
The project also includes improvements to the nearby Barton Springs Road and Azie Morton Drive intersection.
Planned Improvements
Current plans include:
- Two travel lanes in each direction, with a median separating traffic.
- Dedicated bike lanes and wider sidewalks on both sides of the bridge.
- Accessibility improvements across the bridge and within Zilker Park.
- Wider trails beneath the bridge and stabilized creek embankments.
- Structural elements designed to reflect the original bridge.
- More space and structural support for the Zilker Eagle mini train.
- A new bridge designed to remove the existing load-posting requirement.
Plans are still subject to design development and environmental review.
Proposed Barton Springs Road Bridge cross section
Typical bridge section showing sidewalks, bicycle facilities, travel lanes and the raised median.
Overall width: 109′4″
North side
Sidewalk: 13′7½″; pedestrian rail: 1′ typical
Bicycle lane: 12′; two-way bicycle travel; concrete barrier: 1′6″
Westbound travel lanes
Lane widths: 11′6″ and 10′
Center
Raised median: 5′10″
Eastbound travel lanes
Travel lane: 10′; travel and right-turn lane: 11′6″
Concrete barrier: 1′6″
South side
Bicycle lane: 12′; two-way bicycle travel
Sidewalk: 17′7½″; pedestrian rail: 1′ typical
Project Schedule
The schedule below reflects current planning and may change:
Preliminary engineering
Completed in 2023. Read the Preliminary Engineering ReportUSDOT 2024 Bridge Investment Program
$32 million
Awarded November 2024 Learn more about the Bridge Investment ProgramDesign and environmental review
In progress.Chapter 26 hearings and approvals
Currently targeted for August–October 2027; dates and process are not yet confirmed.NEPA decision
Currently anticipated in late 2027.Construction
Currently expected to begin in late 2028.
Environmental Review and Parkland Process
The project is undergoing review under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), the federal environmental review process. That work includes review of historic resources and potential effects on parks and recreation resources.
The City is also coordinating the process required for proposed uses of dedicated parkland under Chapter 26 of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Code. The hearing process, ownership and dates are still being coordinated. The City will post participation details when they are confirmed.
Related Project
The Barton Springs Road Safety Pilot was a separate Vision Zero project along Barton Springs Road between Stratford Drive and South Lamar Boulevard. The pilot concluded in August 2024. Learn more about the Barton Springs Road Safety Project.
Contact
Please email MobilityBonds@AustinTexas.gov or call 512-974-2300 with questions or comments, or sign up below for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the bridge being replaced?
A detailed inspection found deterioration in the bridge deck, floor beams, columns and arches. Engineers evaluated both rehabilitation and replacement and recommended a new bridge as the more durable long-term option.
Could the existing bridge be rehabilitated instead?
The project team estimated that rehabilitation would cost about as much as replacement and extend the bridge’s service life by up to 50 years. A new bridge is expected to provide at least 100 years of service. In December 2023, City Council directed staff to advance the replacement option.
Is the existing bridge historic?
The bridge itself is not a designated historic structure. It is considered a contributing resource to Zilker Park, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Historic resources are part of the ongoing environmental review.
How will the new bridge serve people using the road and park?
Current plans include dedicated bike lanes, wider sidewalks, accessibility improvements, wider trails beneath the bridge, stabilized creek embankments and more space for the Zilker Eagle mini train. The design also includes structural elements intended to reflect the original bridge. Plans remain subject to design development and environmental review.
How is the project funded?
The City received a $32 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant in 2024 to help fund construction. Additional funding is expected from the 2020 Mobility Bond.
What is the project’s current status, and how can I share feedback?
The project is in design, and the City is completing the required federal environmental review. The City will hold a community open house on Monday, November 16, 2026, at the Dougherty Arts Center. Details about the public comment period and the formal NEPA public hearing will be posted when confirmed.
When will construction begin? Will there be traffic or park access impacts?
Construction is currently expected to begin in late 2028. Temporary impacts to traffic and access are expected, but construction phasing is still being evaluated. The City will post detour, lane closure and access information as it becomes available.
Where can I get updates?
Visit this project page for updates, meeting information and project materials. For questions or comments, email MobilityBonds@AustinTexas.gov or call 512-974-2300.