Austin council seeks federal money for Barton Springs bridge replacement

A grant would fund part of the $40 million project.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — City leaders are looking for federal dollars to help pay for the replacement of the nearly 100-year-old Barton Springs bridge.

Austin City Council members approved a resolution Thursday directing the city's transportation and public works director to apply for a grant with the federal Bridge Investment Program. The grant would fund part of the $40 million project.

The city is looking for up to $32 million from the grant program. The remaining $8 million would be funded from local mobility bonds, according to the council agenda.

The federal grant program funds projects that replace, rehabilitate, preserve, or protect one or more bridges on the National Bridge Inventory, according to agenda documents. The Barton Springs Bridge qualifies for the program.

In December, council members approved a preliminary engineering report to replace the bridge near the intersection of Barton Springs Road and Azie Morton Road. The project aims to reduce congestion and meet current design standards.

The bridge was built in 1925, with an expansion in 1946, according to the city.