Austin, Texas and its environment are home to a few famous or consequential bridges, a few of which date back to the late 19th century. Some are tourist draws, while others span quiet streams. Fans of bridge history, design and architecture will enjoy experiencing these treasures in Austin.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers fantastic views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the largest urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the sight of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A technique to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is to book a sunset cruise.
Percy V. Pennybacker Bridge
The Pennybacker Bridge opened in 1982. The bridge crosses Lake Austin to connect the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently referred to as the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bicycles and foot traffic. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it has got a weathered patina which blends in well with the surrounding natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies one hundred feet below the bridge deck. This allows for clear passage for watercraft under the bridge. Visitors can enjoy the view from the bridge, and then enjoy a canoe trip on Lake Austin.
Faust Street Bridge
Located in New Braunfels, the Faust Street Bridge is thought of as one of the most significant historic bridges in both Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the longest, most complex and earliest built of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is only open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the heart of the city and allows visitors to bike or leisurely stroll over the Guadalupe River. Built out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes that it was the first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge enthusiasts find the bridge to be one of the very finest examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only temporarily popular, it is tricky to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testament to its longevity and historical value.
Bryant Station Bridge
Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges in Austin. Located in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River close to the old Bryant Station trading post. Even thought the bridge is no longer being used, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth seeing. Built in 1909, it was employed to carry goods across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was almost non-existent and is a ghost town. The simple construction of the bridge is a result of the time it was built and gives visitors an immediate feel for the age. It can be hard to find since it is just off a rural road, but it is really worth the trip. The only signs of Bryant Station are the cemeteries, the bridge and the Bryant Station city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance of life in a 19th century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Found in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the only suspension bridge in Texas that is open to auto traffic. Built in 1939, the bridge is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to stay aware that it's in use. The Regency and Beveridge Bridges are on the National Historic Register. People that live in the area recommend that you picnic by the bridge, there is however no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down river from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in picturesque views of the San Saba River and the encircling area. The bridges offer clear view and pleasant winds from the city to a lovely park.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers fantastic views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the largest urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the sight of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A technique to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is to book a sunset cruise.
Percy V. Pennybacker Bridge
The Pennybacker Bridge opened in 1982. The bridge crosses Lake Austin to connect the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently referred to as the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bicycles and foot traffic. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it has got a weathered patina which blends in well with the surrounding natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies one hundred feet below the bridge deck. This allows for clear passage for watercraft under the bridge. Visitors can enjoy the view from the bridge, and then enjoy a canoe trip on Lake Austin.
Faust Street Bridge
Located in New Braunfels, the Faust Street Bridge is thought of as one of the most significant historic bridges in both Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the longest, most complex and earliest built of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is only open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the heart of the city and allows visitors to bike or leisurely stroll over the Guadalupe River. Built out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes that it was the first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge enthusiasts find the bridge to be one of the very finest examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only temporarily popular, it is tricky to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testament to its longevity and historical value.
Bryant Station Bridge
Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges in Austin. Located in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River close to the old Bryant Station trading post. Even thought the bridge is no longer being used, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth seeing. Built in 1909, it was employed to carry goods across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was almost non-existent and is a ghost town. The simple construction of the bridge is a result of the time it was built and gives visitors an immediate feel for the age. It can be hard to find since it is just off a rural road, but it is really worth the trip. The only signs of Bryant Station are the cemeteries, the bridge and the Bryant Station city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance of life in a 19th century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Found in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the only suspension bridge in Texas that is open to auto traffic. Built in 1939, the bridge is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to stay aware that it's in use. The Regency and Beveridge Bridges are on the National Historic Register. People that live in the area recommend that you picnic by the bridge, there is however no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down river from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in picturesque views of the San Saba River and the encircling area. The bridges offer clear view and pleasant winds from the city to a lovely park.
About the Author:
Rachel Rosen has fostered an interest in Austin bridges and architecture for many years. Rosen has authored editorial pieces and op-eds for many different internet publications. For more information about Austin landmarks, feel free to visit her site here.
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