Austin and its environment are home to several famous or important bridges, a few of which date back to the late 1880's. Some are tourist draws, while others span quiet rivers and streams. Fans of bridge design, history and architecture will enjoy uncovering these destinations around the Austin area.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers excellent views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the biggest urban bat colony in the United States. From mid-March through November, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the look of the bats taking off 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 the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently called the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the southerly 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 blends 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 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 important historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, it's an example of one of the longest, earliest built and most complex of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is only open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the centre of Austin and permits visitors to bike or leisurely ramble 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 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 importance.
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 nearby 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 commodities across the river. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was nearly non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple 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 hard to find since it is just off a dirt road, nonetheless it is worth the trip. The few signs of Bryant Station are the cemetary, 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 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's a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to remain aware it's in use. They are on the National Historic Register. Locals 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 brook from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encompassing countryside. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to a beautiful park.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers excellent views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the biggest urban bat colony in the United States. From mid-March through November, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the look of the bats taking off 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 the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently called the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the southerly 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 blends 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 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 important historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, it's an example of one of the longest, earliest built and most complex of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is only open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the centre of Austin and permits visitors to bike or leisurely ramble 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 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 importance.
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 nearby 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 commodities across the river. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was nearly non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple 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 hard to find since it is just off a dirt road, nonetheless it is worth the trip. The few signs of Bryant Station are the cemetary, 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 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's a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to remain aware it's in use. They are on the National Historic Register. Locals 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 brook from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encompassing countryside. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to a beautiful 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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