Austin and its environment are home to several famous or historic bridges, many of which date back to the late 1880s. Some are tourist attractions, while others span quiet streams. Fans of bridge architecture, history and design will enjoy experiencing these treasures in the Austin area.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers fantastic views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the most massive urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the appearance 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 up the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently referred to as the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries motor vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, formed when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is located under the southern side of the bridge, making it a favored spot for land and water enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it has 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 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 considered one of the most vital historic bridges in Austin. 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 just open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is in the heart of Austin and allows visitors to bike or relaxed stroll over the Guadalupe River. Constructed out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes that it was the very first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge enthusiasts find the bridge to be one of the very best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only temporarily popular, it is difficult to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a tribute to its longevity and historical value.
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. Even thought the bridge is no longer being used, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth the trip. Built in 1909, it was created to carry merchandise across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, the city was almost non-existent and is a ghost town. The straightforward architecture of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the time. It can be hard to find since it is off of a rural road, nevertheless it is actually worth the trip. The few remains of Bryant Station are the cemeteries, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glimpse of life at 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 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 it's in use. They are on the National Historic Register. Area locals suggest 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 car traffic until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in picturesque views of the San Saba River and the surrounding country. 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 fantastic views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the most massive urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the appearance 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 up the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently referred to as the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries motor vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, formed when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is located under the southern side of the bridge, making it a favored spot for land and water enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it has 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 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 considered one of the most vital historic bridges in Austin. 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 just open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is in the heart of Austin and allows visitors to bike or relaxed stroll over the Guadalupe River. Constructed out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes that it was the very first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge enthusiasts find the bridge to be one of the very best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only temporarily popular, it is difficult to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a tribute to its longevity and historical value.
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. Even thought the bridge is no longer being used, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth the trip. Built in 1909, it was created to carry merchandise across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, the city was almost non-existent and is a ghost town. The straightforward architecture of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the time. It can be hard to find since it is off of a rural road, nevertheless it is actually worth the trip. The few remains of Bryant Station are the cemeteries, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glimpse of life at 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 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 it's in use. They are on the National Historic Register. Area locals suggest 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 car traffic until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in picturesque views of the San Saba River and the surrounding country. 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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