Posting Language
Title
Approve a resolution authorizing and directing the Director of the Transportation and Public Works Department to apply for a federal Bridge Investment Program grant to partially fund the Barton Springs Road Bridge replacement project.
De
Lead Department
Transportation and Public Works Department.
Fiscal Note
This item has no fiscal impact.
Prior Council Action:
December 14, 2023 - Council conducted a public hearing and approved the option recommended in the preliminary engineering report to fully replace the Barton Springs Road Bridge on a 9-0 vote, with Council Member Alison Alter off the dais and Council Member Ryan Alter absent.
For More Information:
Richard Mendoza, Director, 512-974-2488; Pirouz Moin, Assistant Director, 512-974-8769; Angela Johnson, Division Manager, 512-974-8779; Gilda Powers, Quality Consultant, 512-974-7092; Stella Deshotel, Business Process Consultant, 512-974-8054.
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
October 27, 2023 - Briefing provided to the Council Mobility Committee.
Additional Backup Information:
The Bridge Investment Program (BIP) grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, provides funding for projects that replace, rehabilitate, preserve, or protect one or more bridges on the National Bridge Inventory. Grants are available for planning and for bridge construction projects with total eligible costs of $100 million or less. An award of BIP funds for a bridge construction project requires at least 20 percent matching funds. The Barton Springs Road Bridge (Bridge) is listed on the National Bridge Inventory and meets the eligibility requirements for a BIP grant.
The City is seeking funding of up to $32,000,000 for the Bridge replacement project, with a required local match of up to $8,000,000, for a total project cost of up to $40,000,000. The local match funding is available from local mobility bonds. The full-bridge replacement option was approved by Council on December 14, 2023, and offers the most cost-effective solution while providing the longest useful life for this critical bridge.
The Bridge is located near the intersection of Azie Morton Road and Barton Springs Road. Its location at the entrance to Zilker Park is a focal point of key community events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival, the South By Southwest Conference & Festivals, the Trail of Lights, and other large events. Barton Springs Road is also a key connection for vehicular, bicycle, and pedestrian access, linking Mopac to downtown and the South Lamar/Congress Avenue corridors, and it provides the primary northern entrance to the Zilker and Barton Hills neighborhoods via Azie Morton Road, located immediately east of the bridge.
The bridge was originally built in 1925 and was expanded on one side in 1946. Structurally, it is in fair condition, but the existing bridge dimensions, sidewalks, and bike lanes do not meet current design standards and the roadway west of Azie Morton Road is not aligned with the roadway east of Azie Morton Road. The replacement project will reduce congestion and provide benefits to the local neighborhoods, commuters using all travel modes, and local businesses, as well as to Zilker Park users and event attendees.
The required 20% City funding match is available from local mobility bond funds.