The city of Austin and its surrounding area are home to several famous or important bridges, some of which date back to the late 1880s. Some are visitor attractions, while others span quiet rivers. Fans of bridge architecture, history and design will enjoy uncovering these treasures around the Austin area.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the middle of Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers excellent views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the largest urban bat colony in North America. From mid-March through November, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the appearance 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 the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently called the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, formed when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water fans. Built in the Through Arch style, it has a weathered patina which fuses 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 thought of as one of the most significant historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the earliest built, longest and most complex of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is just open to cycle and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the middle of the city of Austin and lets visitors to bike or slow ramble over the Guadalupe River. Constructed out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes it was the very first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge fans find the bridge to be one of the very finest examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is tricky to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a tribute to its longevity and historical significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges in Austin. Found in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River nearby the old Bryant Station trading post. Even though the bridge is no longer in use, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth seeing. Built in 1909, it was employed to carry goods across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was almost non-existent and is a ghost town. The simple architecture of the bridge is a result of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the era. It can be hard to find since it is off of a rural road, nonetheless it is really worth the excursion. The only signs of Bryant Station are the cemetary, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance of life within a 1800's 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, 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. People that live in the area 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 stream from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the encompassing country. The bridges offer clear view and pleasant winds from the city to a lovely park.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the middle of Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers excellent views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the largest urban bat colony in North America. From mid-March through November, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the appearance 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 the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is frequently called the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bicycles and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, formed when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water fans. Built in the Through Arch style, it has a weathered patina which fuses 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 thought of as one of the most significant historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the earliest built, longest and most complex of the truss-type Austin bridges. Spanning the Guadalupe River, the bridge is just open to cycle and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the middle of the city of Austin and lets visitors to bike or slow ramble over the Guadalupe River. Constructed out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes it was the very first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge fans find the bridge to be one of the very finest examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is tricky to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a tribute to its longevity and historical significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges in Austin. Found in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River nearby the old Bryant Station trading post. Even though the bridge is no longer in use, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth seeing. Built in 1909, it was employed to carry goods across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was almost non-existent and is a ghost town. The simple architecture of the bridge is a result of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the era. It can be hard to find since it is off of a rural road, nonetheless it is really worth the excursion. The only signs of Bryant Station are the cemetary, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance of life within a 1800's 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, 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. People that live in the area 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 stream from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in great views of the San Saba River and the encompassing country. The bridges offer clear view and pleasant winds from the city to a lovely 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.
