A third public meeting concerning the Austin Avenue bridges will be held in the spring.[/caption]
What we reported
Two public meetings were held by the city in 2016 regarding improvements to the Austin Avenue Bridges, which span the North and South San Gabriel rivers, including options to replace or repair the aging bridges. In October, The Georgetown Neighborhood Alliance, a group of downtown residents and business owners, met to discuss its position and is advocating the city remove replacing the bridges as an option.
The latest
The city of Georgetown and the Texas Department of Transportation have slowed down the process to determine how the city will address needed repairs to the bridges. A study was expected to be completed in early 2017; however, additional public involvement has led the state to pursue a heightened environmental analysis. In early October, TxDOT notified the city that the bridges project would not qualify as a categorical exclusion study, which applies to projects that do not have environmental impacts.
What’s next
In January, Morgan said the design process was still ongoing and that another public meeting would take place in the spring. The meeting will outline the options, from maintenance to replacement, for residents. Environmental analysis is also still underway, and Morgan said it is crucial this is completed so the plan can be presented for grant funding in addition to Georgetown and state dollars.
This story is one update from the January Issue. View the full list of 10 things to look for in 2017 here.
