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BASTROP — Plans for Bastrop’s bridge project evolved again last month and creating an inter-connected loop of parks around the Colorado River gained some traction.
Two items approved by City Council in April circled around ongoing Old Iron Bridge renovations. Council members agreed to add a stairway from the bridge at street level, down to the river walk, and upgraded roadway materials.
“This stairway will be a huge connection to Fisherman’s Park,” said Councilwoman Cynthia Meyer.
The connecting stairs will allow residents to make a complete loop around the river safely, according to the city. It marks the third change order for the project and will cost an estimated $334,617, paid for from its $2 million contingency fund.
Project Manager Elizabeth Wick said a ramp was originally considered but elevation constraints and the limited available footprint mandated stairs.
The city is currently working out easement agreements with the property owner and potential impacts to critical root zones were assessed.
Another change swaps the deck overlay surface material from the original latex-modified concrete to a polyester polymer concrete (PPC).
Wick said while the latex product is typically used as an overlay, the polymer version has several advantages.
“For a pedestrian bridge application, (the latex-modified concrete) does not provide adequate slip resistance and is not considered aesthetically appropriate for a future park setting,” Wick said. “Additionally, it presents certain constructability challenges.”
The PPC product is created to look more at home in parks, and Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said it visually matches the material on the concrete guardrails.
Kirkland added the PPC is resistant to salt incursion and can help prevent rust.
The difference in materials subtracts another $217,386 from contingency funds. It is not projected to delay the project timeline.
City Manaer Sylvia Carillo-Trevino said she anticipates the next change order will involve improved lighting on the bridge.
