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Speakers urge Austin commission to preserve Barton Springs Road Bridge after review is withdrawn
Summary
At the March 4 Austin Historic Landmark Commission meeting, preservation groups, engineers and residents urged commissioners to pursue rehabilitation alternatives for the Barton Springs Road Bridge in Zilker Park after the applicant withdrew the formal review; the commission accepted a staff briefing scheduled for April 1.
Dozens of preservation advocates and residents told the Austin Historic Landmark Commission on March 4 that the historic Barton Springs Road Bridge in Zilker Park should be preserved rather than demolished.
The public-comment period — held after the applicant withdrew item #3 from the posted agenda — featured architects, engineers, environmental advocates and neighbors who pressed the city to fully evaluate rehabilitation options, avoid encroaching on Umlauf Sculpture Garden property and follow federal review procedures including Section 106 and what speakers described as “Federal Highway section 4 f” requirements before endorsing demolition.
"This bridge is not simply infrastructure. It's a part of the historic fabric of Zilker Park," said Karen Coker, a documentary media producer, urging commissioners to consider alternatives to widening or replacing the structure.
Jason John Velhaskins, advocacy commissioner for the Austin chapter of the American Institute of…
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