The city of Austin and its surrounding area are home to several famous or historic bridges, a few of which date back to the late 1880's. Some are visitor attractions, while others span quiet streams. Fans of bridge architecture, design and history will enjoy experiencing these locations around 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 largest urban bat colony in the United States. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the look of the bats leaving 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 frequently called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, cycles and people on foot. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the south side of the bridge, making it a favored spot for land and water fans. Built in the Through Arch style, it has 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. 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, 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 only open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the center of the city and permits visitors to bike or leisurely stroll over the Guadalupe River. Constructed 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 difficult to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a tribute to its longevity and historical significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
In Austin, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges. Found in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River close to 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 products across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city was virtually non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple architecture of the bridge is a reflection of the time it was built and gives visitors an instant feel for the era. It can be hard to find since it is off of a dirt road, but it is actually worth the excursion. The sole signs of Bryant Station are the graveyard, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life at a 19th century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Found in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the last 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 that it is in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. Locals endorse 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 car traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encircling country. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to a lovely 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 largest urban bat colony in the United States. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the look of the bats leaving 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 frequently called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, cycles and people on foot. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is situated under the south side of the bridge, making it a favored spot for land and water fans. Built in the Through Arch style, it has 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. 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, 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 only open to bike and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the center of the city and permits visitors to bike or leisurely stroll over the Guadalupe River. Constructed 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 difficult to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a tribute to its longevity and historical significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
In Austin, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges. Found in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River close to 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 products across the river. By the mid-1930s, the city was virtually non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple architecture of the bridge is a reflection of the time it was built and gives visitors an instant feel for the era. It can be hard to find since it is off of a dirt road, but it is actually worth the excursion. The sole signs of Bryant Station are the graveyard, the bridge and the town marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life at a 19th century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Found in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the last 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 that it is in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. Locals endorse 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 car traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to walk across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encircling country. The bridges offer unobtrusive 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.
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