By Chris Shadrock
The City of Boerne has been awarded a $600,000 federal grant to develop a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the safety, transportation, and mobility challenges associated with 18 bridges across the city, including 11 maintained and operated by the Texas Department of Transportation.
“The Bridge Investment Grant allows staff to target bridges that we know will need upgrades in the coming years to prevent potential hazards and bolster our transportation network for years to come,” Director of Engineering and Mobility Jeff Carroll said. “These solutions will enhance connectivity, emergency response, and ensure the safety and reliability of our local infrastructure.”
Boerne was just one of two Texas cities selected for the Federal Highway Administration’s Bridge Investment Program. Additionally, this is the third significant grant the City has received for various projects and departments in recent months.
In March, the Boerne Public Library was awarded nearly $700,000 from the Mellon Foundation and in June, the City, led by the Engineering and Mobility Department, was awarded a $240,000 federal grant to fund pedestrian and traffic safety plans downtown.
Learn about the library grant.
“This substantial transportation investment will allow us to plan for upgrades on City-maintained bridges, as well as collaborate with TxDOT on necessary repairs and improvements, which will enhance both the daily lives of our residents and the overall economic vitality of our community,” City Manager Ben Thatcher said. “This grant is a testament to our commitment to support local infrastructure needs, and we look forward to leveraging these funds to build a stronger Boerne.”
The Citywide Bridge Planning project will address significant concerns across Boerne, with keen focus along Highway 46, a major thoroughfare that bisects Boerne. The project aims to identify and prioritize bridges for upgrades, leading to increased bicycle and pedestrian safety, reduced congestion, and a more resilient transportation network.
The TxDOT-maintained locations identified for studying are listed below:
- Highway 46 at Browns Creek
- Highway 46 at Charger Blvd.
- Esser Road, Herff Road and River Road (two bridges)
- River Road at No Name Creek
- River Road and Main Street (two bridges)
- Main Street at Menger Creek
- Main Street near Market Avenue
- Blanco Road at Currey Creek
- Blanco Road at No Name Creek
The City of Boerne-maintained locations identified for studying are listed below:
- Bluebonnet Circle at Currey Creek
- Esser Road at Currey Creek
- Bentwood Drive near Greyhound Lane
- W. San Antonio Avenue at Cibolo Creek
- N. School Street at Cibolo Creek
- Johns Road at Cibolo Creek
- S. School Street at Frederick Creek
Learn about the pedestrian and traffic safety grant.
The plan represents a significant step forward in Boerne’s efforts to modernize its infrastructure and ensure the safety and well-being of its residents. The total estimated cost of the project is $750,000, with the grant providing $600,000 and the city contributing 20%, or $150,000.
