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Preservation groups urge fuller review as city advances Barton Springs Bridge replacement
Summary
City engineers say the Barton Springs Bridge is functionally obsolete and replacement was directed by Council; preservation groups and local historians argued the city has not fully explored rehabilitation or alternatives and pointed to Section 106 and DOT Section 4(f) requirements. Staff said NEPA is underway and THC coordination is in progress.
City staff told the Historic Landmark Commission that the nearly 100‑year Barton Springs Bridge is functionally obsolete because of extensive deterioration to the deck and spandrel columns, and that the bridge’s condition makes a ‘‘light touch’’ rehabilitation impractical.
"There is no way to have a light touch rehabilitation on this structure," Eric Bailey, deputy director of Capital Delivery Services, said while describing consultant engineering findings that the deck needs replacement and that some spandrel columns exhibit spalling and low compressive strength.
Because the project is pursuing a $32 million Federal Highway Administration Bridge Improvement Program construction grant, staff said the work must go through the National Environmental Policy Act…
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