Rebuilding a Vital Link: The New Cow Creek Bridge
Construction has officially begun on the replacement for the Cow Creek Bridge in Travis County, which was severely damaged during historic flooding. This new bridge is set to be significantly taller, wider, and more durable than its predecessor, ensuring better safety and functionality for the community.
The project will feature standard 12-foot lanes, six-foot shoulders, and a two-foot separated stripe in the middle. These improvements are designed to meet modern transportation standards and accommodate the growing traffic that uses the route daily. Jim McCann, a local resident with over 40 years of experience in the area, emphasized the importance of these upgrades. He noted that traffic has steadily increased over the years, making any improvements crucial for the region’s development.
Cow Creek Bridge served as a vital link between Marble Falls, Lago Vista, and Cedar Park. Its destruction on July 5, caused by fast-moving floodwaters filled with trees and debris, highlighted the urgent need for a replacement. The original bridge, built in 1960, had narrow lanes, no shoulders, and was positioned lower to the ground—conditions that made it vulnerable to future flooding events.
A Rush to Complete the Project
The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) has awarded a $4 million contract to Hunter Industries for the reconstruction of the bridge. The company faces an ambitious 60-day deadline to complete the project. Tucker Ferguson, Austin District Engineer for TXDOT, explained that meeting this timeline is only possible due to the availability of concrete beams from another ongoing project in the state.
“Without access to these beams, there would be no way we could meet the schedule,” said Ferguson. To further encourage timely completion, TXDOT has included a $1 million incentive in the contract. This bonus is structured as $50,000 per day for the first 20 days ahead of the 60-day deadline. Hunter Industries plans to work seven days a week to ensure the project stays on track.
The deadline for the project is set for September 19. However, a 40-mile detour will be in place during construction. This decision is partly driven by the need to have the bridge ready before the start of the school year in Marble Falls ISD on August 25. Ferguson stated that the goal is to have traffic back on the new bridge as close to the start of the school year as possible.
Designing for the Future
The new bridge will be five feet higher than the previous structure. By raising the bridge and widening the channel, the waterway opening will increase by about 10%. This design change is intended to improve the bridge’s resilience against future flooding. Ferguson explained that the new bridge is built to withstand a 25-year storm event, providing greater protection against potential weather-related damage.
This project represents not just a physical rebuild but also a commitment to long-term infrastructure improvements. With the new design and advanced planning, the Cow Creek Bridge will serve the community for decades to come, supporting both daily travel and future growth.
