Austin and its surroundings are home to several famous or important bridges, a few of which date back to the late 19th century. Some are tourist attractions, while others span quiet streams. Fans of bridge architecture, design and history will enjoy experiencing these destinations in Austin.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in central Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers fantastic views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the biggest urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the look 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 attach the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bicycles and foot traffic. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the southerly 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 mixes in well with the surrounding natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies 100 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 considered one of the most significant historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, Faust Street Bridge is an example of one of the longest, most complex 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 damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the center of the city of Austin and lets visitors to bike or slow stroll 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 very first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge fans find the bridge to be one of the best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is hard to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testament to its longevity and historical importance.
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 nearby 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 u to carry merchandise across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was virtually non-existent and is now a ghost town. The easy architecture of the bridge is a reflection of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the age. It can be tricky to find since it is just off a rural road, nonetheless it is worth the trip. The sole signs of Bryant Station are the cemeteries, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life in a nineteenth century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Found 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 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 is no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down river from the Regency. It was open to automobile traffic until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the encircling area. The bridges offer clear view and pleasant winds from the city to an attractive park.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in central Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers fantastic views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the biggest urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the look 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 attach the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bicycles and foot traffic. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the southerly 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 mixes in well with the surrounding natural setting. No part of the bridge touches the water, which lies 100 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 considered one of the most significant historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, Faust Street Bridge is an example of one of the longest, most complex 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 damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the center of the city of Austin and lets visitors to bike or slow stroll 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 very first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge fans find the bridge to be one of the best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is hard to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testament to its longevity and historical importance.
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 nearby 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 u to carry merchandise across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was virtually non-existent and is now a ghost town. The easy architecture of the bridge is a reflection of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the age. It can be tricky to find since it is just off a rural road, nonetheless it is worth the trip. The sole signs of Bryant Station are the cemeteries, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life in a nineteenth century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Found 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 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 is no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down river from the Regency. It was open to automobile traffic until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the encircling area. The bridges offer clear view and pleasant winds from the city to an attractive park.
About the Author:
Rachel Rosen has been interested in Austin bridges and architecture for a number of years. She has written op-eds and editorial pieces for many different online publications. For more info about Austin landmarks, come visit her site here.
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