The city of Austin and its surroundings are home to a few famous or consequential bridges, a few of which date back to the late 1880's. Some are tourist attractions, while others span quiet rivers and streams. Fans of bridge architecture, history and design will enjoy uncovering these treasures around the Austin area.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the middle 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 North America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the appearance of the bats leaving for their evening meal. A technique 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 up the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bicycles and people on foot. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is located under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it's got a weathered patina which fuses in well with the surrounding natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies a hundred 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, it's 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 just open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the middle of the city 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 it was the very first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge aficionados find the bridge to be one of the very best 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 significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges in Austin. Situated 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 seeing. Built in 1909, it was employed to carry products across the river. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was virtually non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple design of the bridge is a result of the time it was built and gives visitors an instant feel for the time. It can be hard to find since it is off of a dirt road, but it is actually worth the adventure. The only signs of Bryant Station are the graveyard, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance of life within a 1800's 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, it is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to stay aware that it's in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. People that live in the area endorse that you picnic by the bridge, there is however no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down stream from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to stroll across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encircling area. The bridges offer unobstructed view and pleasant winds from the city to an attractive park.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the middle 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 North America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the appearance of the bats leaving for their evening meal. A technique 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 up the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bicycles and people on foot. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is located under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it's got a weathered patina which fuses in well with the surrounding natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies a hundred 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, it's 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 just open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the middle of the city 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 it was the very first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge aficionados find the bridge to be one of the very best 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 significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges in Austin. Situated 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 seeing. Built in 1909, it was employed to carry products across the river. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was virtually non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple design of the bridge is a result of the time it was built and gives visitors an instant feel for the time. It can be hard to find since it is off of a dirt road, but it is actually worth the adventure. The only signs of Bryant Station are the graveyard, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance of life within a 1800's 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, it is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to stay aware that it's in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. People that live in the area endorse that you picnic by the bridge, there is however no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down stream from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to stroll across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encircling area. The bridges offer unobstructed view and pleasant winds from the city to an attractive 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.