04.5 - Barton Springs Bridge Briefing - updated presentation — original pdf

Backup

Historic Landmark Commission – Barton Springs Rd. Bridge Update April 1, 2026 Eric Bailey, P.E. – Deputy Director Capital Delivery Services Barton Springs Road Bridge 100years old built in 1926 1946 Bridge Expansion 20,000 Vehicles per day Key Entrance to Zilker Park and for Major City Events FUNDING SOURCE: • Preliminary Design: 2012, 2018 and 2020 Bonds • Design: 2020 Bond • Construction: FHWA/City 2 Project Development Process - PRELIMINARY PHASE 2015 - 2023 - DESIGN PHASE 2024 - 2027 - CONSTRUCTION PHASE 2027 - 2029 PUBLIC MEETING April 2023 RESPOND TO COMMENTS Summer 2023 REFINE REPORT Fall 2023 COUNCIL ACTION December 2023 60% DESIGN + NEPA PUBLIC MEETINGS + BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS FINAL DESIGN AND PERMITTING BID AND AWARD + COUNCIL ACTION CONSTRUCTION WE ARE HERE Current Condition Spalling Concrete in Bridge Structure Concrete Cores Delamination of Beams Curb And Railing Do Not Meet Current ADA Standards Load Restricted As Of November 2023 – Heavy Vehicles Moving Eastbound Must Use Outer Lanes 4 Analysis Structural and Mobility Analysis: • • • • External Structure - Spalling Concrete • ADA compliance – Pedestrian Circulation Internal Structure – Deteriorating Steel Geotechnical Data –Replacement Design • Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility – no improvement to existing condition Cost/Benefit Analysis – extended life vs. cost Historic Analysis: • Coordinated with US Army Corps (USACE) and Texas Historic Commission (THC) • The bridge is a contributing feature to the Zilker Park Historic Landmark designation • The Texas Historic Commission has approved potentially fully replacing the bridge. As the process continues, the final design will be reviewed and approved by USACE and THC. 5 Project Options 6 Bridge Rehabilitation Bridge Structure Rehabilitation 1 Remove Existing Bridge Deck and Spandrel Columns 2 Remaining Portion of Existing Structure 3 New Components: Exterior Pairs of Arch Ribs, Spandrel Columns, Deck, and Abutment Extensions Less than half of the original structure will remain  Remaining structure will require refacing with new material surfaces  View of old arches will be mostly blocked by new structure 7 City Council Actions 1 Direction from Council in 2020 Bond Resolution (20200812-011): 2 Previous Council Action/Hearings: 11/30/23 – Council conducts a public hearing to recommend the bridge replacement alternative 12/12/23 – Council work session on the recommended option 12/14/23 – Council conducts a public hearing and directs Staff to pursue replacement option 03/07/24 – Council Directs TPW Director to apply for a federal bridge grant to replace the bridge 05/02/24 – Council approves additional engineering services for the bridge replacement 04/24/25 – Council approves accepting $32M in grant funds from the FHWA for bridge replacement 8 New Bridge Features Bike Lanes Sidewalk / Path Shared Use Path Proposed Bridge  Widened Bike Lane  Accommodate off-road biker trail users  Accommodate hiking Trails  Wider Ped. Paths  Accommodate Pedestrians for Special Events  Multimodal areas to accommodate off-road hike and bike trail users  Longer service life length  Wider bridge  Better alignment for safety  Dedicated bike lanes 9 Next Steps • Initial reviews from THC and USACE indicate replacement as a viable alternative • As the project moves through NEPA process, all jurisdictional agencies and departments will review accordingly: • Texas Historic Commission • US Army Corps • COA Permitting: • City of Austin Development Services • Boards & Commissions (Environmental, Mobility, Parks, Landmarks, etc.) • Community Outreach • Project received Federal Highway Administration Bridge Improvement Program grant for $32M. • Anticipated NEPA clearance at the end of 2026, bidding in 2027 10 California Incline - Before 11 California Incline - After 12 QUESTIONS & ANSWERS 13