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 19th century. Some are tourist attractions, while others span quiet rivers and streams. Fans of bridge architecture, history and design will enjoy uncovering these treasures 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 biggest urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the sight of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A technique 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 up the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is often referred to as the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water sport 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 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 one of the most important historic bridges in Austin. Built in 1887, it's 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 just open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the heart of Austin and lets visitors to bike or slow ramble over the Guadalupe River. Built 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 enthusiasts find the bridge to be one of the best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is tricky to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical importance.
Bryant Station Bridge
The Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving camelback through truss bridges in Austin. Located 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 seeing. Built in 1909, it was employed to carry commodities across the river. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was nearly non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple design of the bridge is a reflection of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the age. It can be tricky to find since it is off of a dirt road, nonetheless it is worth the trip. The few remnants of Bryant Station are the cemeteries, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life in a 1800s 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 motor vehicle traffic. Built in 1939, it is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to stay aware it's in use. The Regency and Beveridge Bridges are on the National Historic Register. People that live in the area suggest that you picnic by the bridge, but there's no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down stream from the Regency. It was open to car traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to stroll 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 lovely park.
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 biggest urban bat colony in Northern America. From mid-March through November, visitors and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to marvel at the sight of the bats taking off for their evening meal. A technique 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 up the North and South Loop 360 Highway and is often referred to as the "360 Bridge". The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. The bridge spans a lake, made when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the south side of the bridge, making it a popular spot for land and water sport 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 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 one of the most important historic bridges in Austin. Built in 1887, it's 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 just open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic since being damaged by fire in 1978. The bridge is sited in the heart of Austin and lets visitors to bike or slow ramble over the Guadalupe River. Built 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 enthusiasts find the bridge to be one of the best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is tricky to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical importance.
Bryant Station Bridge
The Bryant Station Bridge is one of two surviving camelback through truss bridges in Austin. Located 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 seeing. Built in 1909, it was employed to carry commodities across the river. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was nearly non-existent and is now a ghost town. The simple design of the bridge is a reflection of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the age. It can be tricky to find since it is off of a dirt road, nonetheless it is worth the trip. The few remnants of Bryant Station are the cemeteries, the bridge and the city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get an idea of life in a 1800s 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 motor vehicle traffic. Built in 1939, it is a single lane bridge with a wood deck. While traffic is light, visitors need to stay aware it's in use. The Regency and Beveridge Bridges are on the National Historic Register. People that live in the area suggest that you picnic by the bridge, but there's no official picnic area. The Beveridge Bridge is an iron suspension bridge and is down stream from the Regency. It was open to car traffic up until 2004 and is now open for pedestrians to stroll 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 lovely park.
About the Author:
Rachel Rosen has been interested in Austin bridges 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 here.
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