Austin Avenue Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridges
Project Overview
The City of Georgetown is planning for the design and future construction of two pedestrian and bicycle bridges crossing the north and south forks of the San Gabriel River and adjacent the existing Austin Avenue bridges. The pedestrian and bicycle bridges will connect to the north and south portions of the San Gabriel River Trail.
The bridges will incorporate the aesthetic feel and history of downtown and create a sense of arrival into Georgetown.
The goals of the Austin Avenue Pedestrian Bridges are to:
- Create a gateway that announces the proximity to historic downtown Georgetown
- Provide effective connections between existing pedestrian and bicycle networks
- Enhance the San Gabriel River green areas, corridors and trails
- Ensure compatibility with restored existing Austin Avenue vehicular bridges
- Balance aesthetics, constructability, environmental compliance and costs
The City has hired Freese and Nichols in collaboration with Rosales + Partners to design the future pedestrian bridges.
Initial Bridge Concepts
The project team has developed three design concepts for the new pedestrian and bicycle bridges and presented them to City Council on Aug. 22, 2023. See the entire presentation to Council here.
Bridge concepts have been developed with a combination of preliminary technical evaluations for constructability and cost, and public and council input. Council will balance several factors such as constructability, cost, environmental impacts, and public input to determine which bridges concept will move forward with further design.
Once a preferred concept is chosen, the team will develop the design to 30%. Additional input on bridge details such as materials, texture, paint, and other aesthetics will be collected at future phases in project development.
Bridge Concept 1
Estimated Cost $9.6M
*Subject to change based on design changes and engineering needs
Features:
- Classic architectural structure
- Curved design away from vehicle bridges
Bridge Concept 2
Estimated Cost: $13M
*Subject to change based on design changes and engineering needs
Features:
- Curved design away from vehicle bridges
- Lookout to the east
- Modern take on classic truss bridge design
Bridge Concept 3
Estimated cost: $15M
*Subject to change based on design changes and engineering needs
Features:
- Curved design away from vehicle bridges
- Modern structure to act as barrier between the vehicle bridges
- Outlook to the east
We need your input!
Please share your feedback through the online comment form.
The project team will also be hosting a series of pop-up events to gather input from the community. Come and join us to learn more about the pedestrian and bicycle bridges and give your input! Our schedule of events is below:
- 6 to 9 P.M. Oct. 3
National Night Out – San Jose Park, 1707 San Jose st. - 4 to 7 P.M. Oct. 19
Georgetown Autum Art Stroll – Georgetown Public Library
Additional input opportunities will be available throughout the fall and more information will be shared on the project webpage and through other communication channels.
Previous Outreach
The project team has been conducting outreach since early 2023 to gather input and share project updates. Previous events include:
- 2023 Red Poppy Festival
- Stakeholder Meetings
- Downtown Georgetown Association
- Meeting with City Parks Department
- North Old Town Neighborhood Association Meeting
- City Council Workshops
- 2023 Gather Round Georgetown Project Expo
Project Schedule
*Subject to change
Early to Mid-2023
- Collect data
- Conduct outreach
- Develop conceptual alternatives
- Coordinate with agencies and stakeholder partners
Late 2023 – We Are Here
- Present the conceptual alternatives and collect feedback from City Council and the community
- Review community feedback and select preferred concept
Early 2024
- Public Meeting
Background and Funding
The historic Austin Avenue Bridges were originally constructed in 1940 and do not have adequate pedestrian or bicycle facilities. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) issued load restrictions on the bridges beginning in 2013 and the need for improvements was identified and confirmed by 2015.
From 2016 to 2020, the City, in cooperation with TxDOT, conducted studies and worked with the community to identify needs and preferred improvements for the bridges. Through that process, a separated pedestrian and bicycle bridge was identified as the best solution to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety while creating a gateway to Georgetown.
This project is funded through the voter-approved Mobility Georgetown Bond 2021. Considering inflation, additional funding for construction will be needed. The City is actively seeking additional funding sources.
Construction could begin in 2025 and the construction timeline is dependent on the selected bridge design. More information on construction details will be shared before work begins.
Project Contact
City staff and the project team are always available to visit about the project. Please email us with any questions or comments.
