Austin and its surroundings are home to many famous or consequential bridges, many of which date back to the late 1880s. Some are tourist draws, while others span quiet rivers. Fans of bridge design, history and architecture will enjoy uncovering these treasures around Austin.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the middle 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 wonder at the appearance of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A technique to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is to take a sunset cruise.
Percy V. Pennybacker Bridge
The Pennybacker Bridge opened in 1982. The bridge crosses Lake Austin to attach the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently referred to as the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bikes and people on foot. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is located under the south side of the bridge, making it a favored 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 encompassing natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies a hundred feet below the bridge deck. The bridge is high so that ships can pass 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 important historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the most complex, longest and earliest built of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is open only to bike and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the middle of the city and allows visitors to bike or slow ramble over the Guadalupe River. Constructed out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes that this was the 1st permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge aficionados 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 value.
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 close to the old Bryant Station trading post. While no longer in use, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth a trip. Built in 1909, it was used to carry goods across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was virtually non-existent and is a ghost town. The easy architecture of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors an instant feel for the era. It can be difficult to find since it is off of a dusty road, but it is really worth the excursion. The sole remnants of Bryant Station are the graveyards, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glimpse of life at 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 motor vehicle 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 is in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. People that live in the area suggest 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 automobile traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the encircling countryside. The bridges offer clear view and pleasant winds from the city to a lovely park.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the middle 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 wonder at the appearance of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A technique to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is to take a sunset cruise.
Percy V. Pennybacker Bridge
The Pennybacker Bridge opened in 1982. The bridge crosses Lake Austin to attach the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently referred to as the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bikes and people on foot. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is located under the south side of the bridge, making it a favored 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 encompassing natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies a hundred feet below the bridge deck. The bridge is high so that ships can pass 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 important historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the most complex, longest and earliest built of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is open only to bike and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the middle of the city and allows visitors to bike or slow ramble over the Guadalupe River. Constructed out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes that this was the 1st permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge aficionados 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 value.
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 close to the old Bryant Station trading post. While no longer in use, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth a trip. Built in 1909, it was used to carry goods across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was virtually non-existent and is a ghost town. The easy architecture of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors an instant feel for the era. It can be difficult to find since it is off of a dusty road, but it is really worth the excursion. The sole remnants of Bryant Station are the graveyards, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glimpse of life at 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 motor vehicle 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 is in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. People that live in the area suggest 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 automobile traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the encircling countryside. The bridges offer clear 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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