Austin, Texas and its environment are home to several famous or consequential bridges, a few of which date back to the late 19th century. Some are visitor attractions, while others span quiet rivers and streams. Fans of bridge architecture, history and design will enjoy experiencing these destinations in Austin.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers glorious views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the most massive urban bat colony in the United States. From mid-March through November, vacationers and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the sight of the bats taking off for their evening meal. One 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 attach the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is often called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the southerly side of the bridge, making it a popular 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. 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 one of the most important historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the most complex, earliest built and longest of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is open only to bike and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the centre of the city and allows visitors to bike or relaxed 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 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 briefly popular, it is hard to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testament 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 used to carry commodities across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city was almost non-existent and is now a ghost town. The straightforward construction of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the age. It can be difficult to find since it is off a rural road, nonetheless it is really worth the trip. The few remains of Bryant Station are the graveyard, the bridge and the Bryant Station city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life at a 1800's century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Located in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the only suspension bridge in Texas that is open to auto traffic. Built in 1939, it is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to remain aware it's in use. The Regency and Beveridge Bridges are on the National Historic Register. Locals 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 river from the Regency. It was open to automobile traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in picturesque views of the San Saba River and the encompassing countryside. The bridges offer clear 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 glorious views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the most massive urban bat colony in the United States. From mid-March through November, vacationers and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the sight of the bats taking off for their evening meal. One 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 attach the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is often called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the southerly side of the bridge, making it a popular 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. 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 one of the most important historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the most complex, earliest built and longest of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is open only to bike and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the centre of the city and allows visitors to bike or relaxed 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 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 briefly popular, it is hard to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testament 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 used to carry commodities across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city was almost non-existent and is now a ghost town. The straightforward construction of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the age. It can be difficult to find since it is off a rural road, nonetheless it is really worth the trip. The few remains of Bryant Station are the graveyard, the bridge and the Bryant Station city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life at a 1800's century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Located in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the only suspension bridge in Texas that is open to auto traffic. Built in 1939, it is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to remain aware it's in use. The Regency and Beveridge Bridges are on the National Historic Register. Locals 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 river from the Regency. It was open to automobile traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in picturesque views of the San Saba River and the encompassing countryside. The bridges offer clear 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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