The city of Georgetown, Texas, is comprehensively advancing the bridge project upgrades on Old Austin Avenue, encompassing three core projects: the rehabilitation of the historic vehicular bridge, the construction of a new standalone pedestrian and bicycle bridge, and the planning of a supporting bridge project for a roundabout. These projects aim to enhance regional traffic safety and efficiency, meet the infrastructure demands brought by population growth, while preserving the city's historical character.
As a key corridor to the historic square, the vehicular bridge rehabilitation project on Old Austin Avenue commenced in October 2024. This bridge spans the North and South Forks of the San Gabriel River and had developed load-bearing issues due to structural aging and increased traffic volume. The city opted for rehabilitation over reconstruction to protect its historical value. This $12.7 million bridge project is funded by a transportation bond approved by voters in 2021. Specific work includes deck and bearing replacement, concrete repairs, structural cleaning and painting, lane widening to 11 feet, and the addition of shoulders and new guardrails. During construction, Old Austin Avenue will maintain one lane in each direction between West Morrow Street and 2nd Street, with completion expected in spring 2026.
The concurrently advancing pedestrian and bicycle bridge project encountered design complications. Although the City Council approved the initial design in March 2024, the design firm Freese and Nichols discovered a miscalculation in steel quantities in December of the same year. The firm's CEO acknowledged quality control process lapses during a council workshop and offered a fee refund and alternative proposals. The council ultimately selected a $14.7 million concrete bridge design, with completion anticipated by July 2027. This bridge will connect the northern and southern segments of the river trail, addressing the narrow sidewalk issue on the existing vehicular bridge.
To further optimize traffic flow, the city is planning a roundabout at the intersection of Village Main Drive and Old Austin Avenue, which includes a supporting bridge project. This project is 60% designed and is expected to commence after the pedestrian bridge is completed. Funded by the Georgetown Transportation Improvement Corporation sales tax at a cost of $8 million, the city is also exploring temporary river crossing solutions during the pedestrian/bicycle bridge construction to ensure safe pedestrian passage.
Local residents emphasized the long-term value of the projects at a March 2024 council meeting: "We are not just building infrastructure for today, but creating a city space where future generations can walk and enjoy." These bridge projects, through multi-dimensional upgrades, alleviate current traffic pressures while laying the foundation for the city's sustainable development.
