Pennybacker Bridge, Austin, Texas
Image by myoldpostcards
Completed in 1982 at a cost of M, the iconic Pennybacker Bridge is a 1,150 foot-long through-arched bridge spanning Lake Austin, a reservoir of the Colorado River, that connects the north and south sections of the scenic Capitol of Texas Highway (also known as the Loop 360 highway). It is the only bridge in Hill Country that allows drivers over the Colorado River and, unlike most bridges, the Pennybacker Bridge stretches across the lake without ever touching it. This complete clearance underneath the bridge means boaters can freely drive through without hindering water sports.
The bridge features 72 steel cables to suspend the bridge and when it opened in 1982, it was only the second bridge in the world to use that architectural design. The bridge took first place in the 1984 Federal Highway Administration’s Excellence in Highway Design competition.
Pennybacker Bridge is named for Percy V. Pennybacker, a Texas civil engineer who pioneered the technology of welded structures, especially for bridges. Pennybacker’s career included working for the Texas Highway Department in the early 1900’s, designing bridges, after he earned his degree from the University of Texas.
Leading to the cliffs above, hikers on the Pennybacker Bridge Overlook Trail enjoy beautiful views of the bridge, Lake Austin, Hill country, and the Austin skyline.
Sources:
Everything You Need To Know About Pennybacker Bridge, Austin.com, Retrieved July 4, 2021.
Pennybacker Bridge, Wikipedia, Retrieved July 4, 2021.
