Austin, Texas and its surrounding area are home to a few famous or consequential bridges, many of which date back to the late 1880's. Some are tourist attractions, while others span quiet streams. Fans of bridge design, history and architecture will enjoy uncovering these destinations in Austin.
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 biggest urban bat colony in North America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the sight of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A way to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is to book 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 commonly called the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, cycles and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water sport enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it's got a weathered patina which mixes in well with the encompassing natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies one hundred feet below the bridge deck. This allows for clear passage for watercraft 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 one of the most significant historic bridges in both Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge 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 just open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the middle of the city and allows visitors to bike or slow ramble over the Guadalupe River. Built 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 best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only temporarily popular, it is difficult to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
The Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving camelback through truss bridges in Austin. Found 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 products across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was almost non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple construction of the bridge is a reflection 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 rural road, but it is really worth the trip. The few remnants of Bryant Station are the graveyards, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance 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, it's a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to remain aware that it is in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. Area locals recommend that you picnic by the bridge, but there's no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down river from the Regency. It was open to car traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the surrounding countryside. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to a beautiful 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 biggest urban bat colony in North America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the sight of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A way to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is to book 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 commonly called the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, cycles and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water sport enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it's got a weathered patina which mixes in well with the encompassing natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies one hundred feet below the bridge deck. This allows for clear passage for watercraft 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 one of the most significant historic bridges in both Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge 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 just open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the middle of the city and allows visitors to bike or slow ramble over the Guadalupe River. Built 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 best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only temporarily popular, it is difficult to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
The Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving camelback through truss bridges in Austin. Found 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 products across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was almost non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple construction of the bridge is a reflection 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 rural road, but it is really worth the trip. The few remnants of Bryant Station are the graveyards, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance 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, it's a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to remain aware that it is in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. Area locals recommend that you picnic by the bridge, but there's no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down river from the Regency. It was open to car traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the surrounding countryside. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to a beautiful 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.
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