Adopt a historic bridge

TxDOT’s Historic Bridge Legacy Program fulfills Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requirements for the replacement of historic bridges. The program facilitates the adoption of historic bridges that can no longer safely carry vehicle traffic. The bridges are owned by TxDOT, cities, or counties and merit special consideration for preservation in the community. The goal of the program is to find a new public use for the bridges; for example, along a hike-and-bike trail or in a public park.

Legacy Program bridges may not be reused on a public road for vehicular purposes. Legacy Program bridges should be publicly accessible. Adopted bridges have found new uses as pedestrian crossings in public parks and along hike-and-bike trails. 

All new owners in the Legacy Program must sign an agreement accepting responsibility for all legal and financial aspects related to the bridge. Owners must agree to maintain the bridge and its historic features.

The historic bridge adoption process can take up to a year or more. Below are the basic steps:

1. TxDOT announces adoption opportunity online, through social media, and other media.
2. Potential new owner prepares Historic Bridge Reuse Proposal.
3. TxDOT reviews the proposal and approves new owner.
4. Agreement to transfer liability/responsibility to the new owner is signed.
5. Contractor bids on project.
6. TxDOT accepts bids.
7. New owner works with contractor to remove bridge from roadway.
8. TxDOT demolition funds MAY help pay to move bridge to new location.
9. Bridge set at new location.
10. New owner rehabilitates the bridge.
11.  Project opens to the public (if bridge will be publicly accessible).

There is no fee to adopt a historic bridge through TxDOT. Prospective owners must demonstrate they are capable of funding the rehabilitation and maintenance of the historic bridge. Costs vary widely depending on bridge type, condition, and other factors, but typical rehabilitation costs include:

• New concrete abutments and/or foundations for the bridge
• New deck
• Pedestrian railing
• Lead paint containment or abatement

All potential adopters should contact a structural engineer to determine the appropriate work to be completed and associated costs. TxDOT may provide modest funding to new owners. The range can vary, but funds can cover costs such as relocation and installation on a sound foundation, and some structural stabilization.

After rehabilitation, historic bridges need additional maintenance. New owners should be prepared to spend future funds. Typical maintenance costs include:

• Cleaning to remove debris collected in the joints of the bridge
• Cleaning to remove debris collected underneath the bridge
• Removing any vegetation from the bridge and its supports
• Replacing worn decking
• Repainting

TxDOT or TxDOT’s contractor will relocate the historic bridge to its new home. 

Write a Historic Bridge Reuse Proposal using the Historic Bridge Reuse Proposal Checklist and submit it to the contact listed in the adoption announcement.

Please inform TxDOT of your interest in historic bridge adoption as soon as possible to ensure enough time for project planning. Contact the TxDOT District Environmental Coordinator listed in the bridge adoption announcement with any questions.