Thirty-five Austin bridges are in poor structural condition, according to a new report from Austin Transportation and Public Works — and the city needs about $90 million take care of the problem and avoid closures or load restrictions on some spans.
Of the hundreds of major bridges under the city’s care, two need replacement: the 100-year-old Barton Springs Road bridge over Barton Creek, which transportation officials said is structurally deteriorating and the Delwau Lane bridge over Boggy Creek, which is subject to frequent flooding. Seven others need major repairs.
The bridges are still safe for public use, according to the report, and most of Austin’s bridges are sound. The report found that 94% of the city’s major bridges are in satisfactory or better condition.
Still, Austin’s bridges are aging, according to the report. On average, major bridges in the city are 45 years old and 35% of them are past their estimated lifespan. As they continue to age, older bridges “will experience an accelerating rate of deterioration and will soon need rehabilitation or replacement,” according to the report.
City transportation officials estimated that $89.5 million is needed over the next five years to repair and replace the highest-priority bridges. An additional $30 million would be needed each year for ongoing repair and replacement of the remaining bridges, according to the report.
The transportation department is currently budgeted $1.8 million for bridge maintenance but will need capital funding to close the gap and make major upgrades, Transportation and Public Works Director Richard Mendoza wrote in a Wednesday memo to the City Council. The department will seek funding through grants and bonds, according to the report. The council is weighing whether to present voters with a bond package in November and what it might include.
Without the additional funding, the city may have to implement weight restrictions or close some of the bridges, Mendoza said. The next State of Austin Bridges report is due in 2028.
The table shows which bridges the report has identified as Austin’s worst.