The City of Austin is planning a new pedestrian bridge spanning the Cedar River, contingent on available funding.

A project first planned in 2004, the Cedar River Pedestrian Bridge would cross the river west of the Roosevelt Bridge, part of Fourth Street Southeast.

The bridge would be constructed on a vacated railroad corridor and utilize existing railroad bridge piers for structural support.

According to an update from city engineer Jon Erichson, the original budget for the bridge was estimated at $359,000 in 2004. At the time, the city received a federal grant for $225,200 and the city had an estimated cost of $103,800.

The city then received a Hormel Foundation grant for $49,400 last year.

Erichson said the concept for the bridge is that “pedestrians would be over here instead of on the Roosevelt Bridge.”

A death several years ago resulting from the blind approach on the bridge prompted the need for a safer crossing for pedestrians, Erichson said.

Today, with the increased cost of steel and other supplies, the estimated cost for the bridge and trails totals about $460,000. The project is about $100,000 over budget now, he said.

The cost includes: connecting trails, $95,000; bridge lighting, $11,000; bridge, $323,000; and engineering, $31,000.

The city has been looking at a prefabricated steel truss bridge rather than more costly options like an arch truss ($370,600) or a suspension bridge ($750,000).

Erichson explained to the new council members during a work session Monday that to bring the project closer to the budget, he would recommend bidding the trail connection and lighting as options, and requesting additional funding through the federal grant process.

“Costs will be considerably higher (now),” he added.

“I like the idea — I think it’s great,” council member Steve King said.

“That would be a neat project if we can make it happen,” Erichson said.