The Old Iron Bridge in Bastrop was briefly open to foot traffic July 26 when the city hosted a kickoff event for a $10.1 million project that will see the local landmark rehabilitated.

Long story short

Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris, Bastrop City Council and others attended the ceremony, which took place at the Old Iron Bridge entrance closest to downtown.

“I grew up driving and riding across this bridge as a kid,” he told residents. “It’s so narrow that you could probably get a high five from someone on the opposite side. It’s a staple of Bastrop, and beautifying it is something that has been on a lot of people’s hearts and minds for a long, long time.”

The Old Iron Bridge, which closed in 2018 in response to safety concerns, is now on track to reopen in the fall of 2026.

“We’re going to get it done, and we’re going to get it done on time,” Bastrop City Manager Sylvia Carrillo-Trevino said.About the project

The project—designed by Austin-based Huitt-Zollars and to be completed by Dripping Springs-based Jay-Reese Contractors—will feature several improvements, including:

• Adding a concrete deck
• Adding steel truss components
• Installing railing
• Installing decorative lights

“We’re pretty confident that our expertise will leave it to be such a successful project,” said Isaac Lewis, a professional engineer with Jay-Reese Contractors. “We’re eager to foster such a great community project for y’all and give you a great end product.”