By Rachel Rosen
Austin and its environment are home to several famous or important
bridges, a few of which date back to the late 19th century. Some are
tourist attractions, while others span quiet rivers. Fans of bridge
design, history and architecture will enjoy experiencing these treasures
in the Austin area.
Congress Avenue Bridge
Crossing Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin, Congress Avenue bridge offers excellent 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, vacationers and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to look at the look of the bats flying out for their evening meal. A way to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is taking 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 called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bikes and people on foot. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the southern 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 blends 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 considered one of the most significant historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, it's 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 only open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the heart of the city of Austin and allows 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 it was the 1st permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge enthusiasts find the bridge to be one of the very best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is hard to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical value.
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 nearby the old Bryant Station trading post. While no longer in use, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth seeing. Built in 1909, it was created to carry goods across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was nearly non-existent and is now a ghost town. The easy architecture of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the time. It can be difficult to find since it is off a dusty road, but it is actually worth the trip. The sole remnants of Bryant Station are the graveyards, the bridge and the Bryant Station city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glimpse of life in a nineteenth century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Found in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the only 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 that it's in use. They are on the National Historic Register. Locals 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 brook from the Regency. It was open to car traffic up until 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 clear 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 excellent 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, vacationers and locals alike visit the bridge at dusk to look at the look of the bats flying out for their evening meal. A way to view both the bridge and its inhabitants is taking 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 called the 360 Bridge. The arched weathering steel bridge carries vehicles, bikes and people on foot. The bridge spans a lake, created when the Colorado River was dammed. A public landing for boats is found under the southern 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 blends 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 considered one of the most significant historic bridges in Austin and Texas. Built in 1887, it's 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 only open to bicycle and pedestrian traffic since being spoilt by fire in 1978. The bridge is situated in the heart of the city of Austin and allows 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 it was the 1st permanent "toll-free" structures to cross a major waterway. Bridge enthusiasts find the bridge to be one of the very best examples Whipple Truss engineering. Only briefly popular, it is hard to find existing examples of the design. The unique construction is a testimonial to its longevity and historical value.
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 nearby the old Bryant Station trading post. While no longer in use, the Bryant Station Bridge is one of the Austin bridges worth seeing. Built in 1909, it was created to carry goods across the Little River. By the mid-1930s, Bryant Station was nearly non-existent and is now a ghost town. The easy architecture of the bridge is a by-product of the time it was built and gives visitors a fast feel for the time. It can be difficult to find since it is off a dusty road, but it is actually worth the trip. The sole remnants of Bryant Station are the graveyards, the bridge and the Bryant Station city marker. While closed to all traffic, visitors can explore the remains to get a glimpse of life in a nineteenth century trading post.
Regency Bridge and Beveridge Bridge
Found in San Saba, the Regency Bridge is the only 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 that it's in use. They are on the National Historic Register. Locals 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 brook from the Regency. It was open to car traffic up until 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 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.
#end
No comments:
Post a Comment