Visiting Austin Bridges

Visiting Austin Bridges

by Rachel Rosen

Austin, Texas and its environment are home to several famous or important bridges, some of which date back to the late 1880s. Some are tourist draws, while others span quiet streams. Fans of bridge history, design and architecture will enjoy experiencing these destinations in Austin.

Congress Avenue Bridge

Crossing Lady Bird Lake in the heart of Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers fantastic views of downtown Austin. As an interesting bonus, it is residence to the most massive urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, tourists and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to wonder at the appearance of the bats flying out for their evening meal. One 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 attach the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is often referred to as the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bikes and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, formed when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is located under the southerly side of the bridge, making it a favored spot for land and water enthusiasts. Built in the Through Arch style, it's got a weathered patina which mixes in well with the encompassing 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 vital historic bridges in Austin. Built in 1887, the bridge an example of one of the earliest built, most complex and longest 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 in the heart of the city and allows visitors to bike or relaxed mooch 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 best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is difficult to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical significance.

Bryant Station Bridge

In Austin, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving "camelback through truss" bridges. Located in Milam County, this bridge crosses the Little River near 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 the trip. Built in 1909, it was u to carry products across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, the city of Bryant Station was nearly non-existent and is a ghost town. The simple architecture of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors an immediate feel for the age. It can be hard to find since it is off of a rural road, but it is worth the adventure. The only remnants of Bryant Station are the cemetary, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life within a nineteenth 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 be aware it's in use. The bridges are on the National Historic Register. 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 brook from the Regency. It was open to motor vehicle traffic till 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to stroll across and take in awesome views of the San Saba River and the encompassing countryside. The bridges offer unobtrusive view and pleasant winds from the city to a lovely park.



Rachel Rosen has been interested in <a href="http://www.wanderaroundaustin.com/locations/bridges-in-austin/">Austin bridges</a> 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 <a href="http://www.wanderaroundaustin.com/locations/">here</a>.

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