In Design

Barton Springs Road Bridge
Safety and Mobility Improvements

 

This page includes the latest traffic impacts, detour information, project updates and key construction details in one place.

Project Background

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. Improvements to the intersection at nearby Barton Springs Road and Azie Morton Drive are necessary as part of this project.


Important Notes

  • This project must comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), a federal law that requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions before making decisions.
  • City staff is completing the necessary steps to complete the NEPA review.

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.

Replacement Bridge

City staff began the Design Phase in 2024 after receiving Council direction to proceed with the replacement of the entire structure.

Planned Improvements

Planned improvements are designed to create a safer bridge that meets the needs of people driving, walking and biking.

  • Two travel lanes in each direction
  • Dedicated sidewalks for people walking and rolling
  • Dedicated bike lanes to keep cyclists separated from vehicles and pedestrians
  • Structural elements that honor the original Barton Springs Road Bridge's design

Project Timeline

The project moved through preliminary engineering and is now in the design phase.

2023

Preliminary Engineering

2024 - 2026

Design Phase

2027

Permitting, Bidding and Construction

Dates are projected as accurately as possible but are subject to change.

Funding

  • 2020 Mobility Bond – Proposition B (Major Capital Improvements Category)
  • U.S. Department of Transportation Bridge Investment Program Grant – $32 million

Contact

Please email MobilityBonds@AustinTexas.gov or call 512-974-2300 with questions or comments.