Austin and its environment are home to many famous or historic bridges, many of which date back to the late 1880s. Some are tourist attractions, while others span quiet rivers. Fans of bridge design, history and architecture will enjoy uncovering these destinations in the Austin area.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the middle of 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, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the look of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A way to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is to take 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 commonly referred to as the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the southern side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water sport enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it has got a weathered patina which fuses in well with the encircling 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 considered one of the most significant historic bridges in 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 spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the center of the city and allows visitors to bike or slow mooch over the Guadalupe River. Constructed out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes it was the first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge enthusiasts 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 testament to its longevity and historical significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges in Austin. Located in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River close to 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 used 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 design of the bridge is a result of the time it was built and gives visitors an immediate feel for the era. It can be tricky to find since it is off a dirt road, nevertheless it is really worth the trip. The only signs of Bryant Station are the graveyards, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance of life within a 1800s 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 automobile traffic. Built in 1939, the bridge is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to be aware that it's in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. Area locals recommend that you picnic by the bridge, there is however no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down brook from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encircling area. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to an attractive park.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the middle of 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, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the look of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A way to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is to take 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 commonly referred to as the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries automobiles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the southern side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water sport enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it has got a weathered patina which fuses in well with the encircling 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 considered one of the most significant historic bridges in 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 spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the center of the city and allows visitors to bike or slow mooch over the Guadalupe River. Constructed out of wrought iron, the bridge is now on the National Historic Register. Its marker notes it was the first permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge enthusiasts 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 testament to its longevity and historical significance.
Bryant Station Bridge
Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges in Austin. Located in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River close to 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 used 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 design of the bridge is a result of the time it was built and gives visitors an immediate feel for the era. It can be tricky to find since it is off a dirt road, nevertheless it is really worth the trip. The only signs of Bryant Station are the graveyards, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glance of life within a 1800s 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 automobile traffic. Built in 1939, the bridge is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to be aware that it's in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. Area locals recommend that you picnic by the bridge, there is however no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down brook from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to meander across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encircling area. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to an attractive 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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