Austin, Texas and its environment are home to several famous or consequential bridges, some of which date back to the late 1880's. Some are tourist attractions, while others span quiet streams. Fans of bridge architecture, history and design will enjoy discovering these locations around the Austin area.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers glorious views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the largest urban bat colony in North America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the look of the bats flying out for their evening meal. A way to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is taking 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, cycles and foot traffic. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the southern side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water sport enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it has got a weathered patina which fuses in well with the encircling natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies 100 feet below the bridge deck. The bridge must be high enough to allow ships to pass beneath 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 one of the most significant historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, Faust Street Bridge is an example of one of the earliest built, longest and most complex of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is only open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is in the center of Austin and permits 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 hard to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical importance.
Bryant Station Bridge
In Austin, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges. Located in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River near the old Bryant Station trading post. While no longer in use, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth the trip. Built in 1909, it was used to carry products across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was almost non-existent and is now a ghost town. The straightforward design of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors an immediate feel for the time. It can be tricky to find since it is just off a dusty road, but it is worth the excursion. The only remains 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 an idea of life in a nineteenth century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Located in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the sole suspension bridge in Texas that is open to automobile traffic. Built in 1939, it is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to be aware it's in use. The Regency and Beveridge Bridges are on the National Historic Register. Area locals recommend that you picnic by the bridge, but there is no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down stream from the Regency. It was open to car traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the encompassing area. The bridges offer unobtrusive 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 glorious views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the largest urban bat colony in North America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the look of the bats flying out for their evening meal. A way to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is taking 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, cycles and foot traffic. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the southern side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water sport enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it has got a weathered patina which fuses in well with the encircling natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies 100 feet below the bridge deck. The bridge must be high enough to allow ships to pass beneath 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 one of the most significant historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, Faust Street Bridge is an example of one of the earliest built, longest and most complex of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is only open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is in the center of Austin and permits 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 hard to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical importance.
Bryant Station Bridge
In Austin, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges. Located in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River near the old Bryant Station trading post. While no longer in use, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth the trip. Built in 1909, it was used to carry products across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was almost non-existent and is now a ghost town. The straightforward design of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors an immediate feel for the time. It can be tricky to find since it is just off a dusty road, but it is worth the excursion. The only remains 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 an idea of life in a nineteenth century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Located in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the sole suspension bridge in Texas that is open to automobile traffic. Built in 1939, it is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to be aware it's in use. The Regency and Beveridge Bridges are on the National Historic Register. Area locals recommend that you picnic by the bridge, but there is no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down stream from the Regency. It was open to car traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the encompassing area. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to a lovely park.
About the Author:
Rachel Rosen has had an interested in Austin bridges and architecture for a few years. Rosen has penned editorial pieces and op-eds for many different web publications. For the details about Austin landmarks, please visit her site here.
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