— The Pennybacker Bridge, known in Austin as the Loop 360 Bridge or just the 360 Bridge, connects the north and south ends of Loop 360 (aka Capital of Texas Highway). It has been photographed many times from the top of the hills on both sides of the bridge. However, for a different perspective, it is always worth going under the bridge to have the views you see here. One interesting thing about the bridge is that the Cliff Swallows build their mud nests under the bridge. You can see their nests in the photo below running along the highway beams.
Its cable-suspension design was planned with boaters in mind. The Colorado River runs under the bridge, and boating is safe in this area since there are no support pillars in the water. The bridge is named after Percy V. Pennybacker Jr. He worked at the Texas Highway Department and was a champion for using welded structures in bridge construction, as seen in this bridge. Construction began in late 1979, and it took three years to finish it. The steel used in the bridge came from Japan, while the structures were fabricated in South Korea. A firm from Virginia did the final assembly. The rusty-colored steel was used to blend in with the Hill Country‘s natural colors.
Today, the Pennybacker Bridge is one of Austin‘s iconic images. Here is the view widely photographed.
margaret21
Well, it might be an icon to some, but I’d never heard of it. So thanks for this. It makes quite a statement.
Egídio Leitão
Not a worldwide icon, I should emphasize. It’s an icon for the city and a landmark recognized as part of the Austin skyline. Thank you.
Cee Neuner
Oh what a wonderful bridge to photograph. Thanks so much for joining in the fun 😀
Egídio Leitão
You’re very welcome, Cee. Thanks for the feedback.
Rebecca Cuningham
Que saudade… Austin!
Egídio Leitão
Rebecca, you should come visit again. We’ll go on a photo walk.
Rebecca Cuningham
Obrigada, Egídio. Sounds wonderful.
boromax
Which bridge is it that houses the bats? 🙂 I remember the Pennybacker bridge from when we lived in Cedar Park – I think there was a shopping center or a church (or both?) we used to go to occasionally on that side of town. ~Ed.
Egídio Leitão
Ed, that is the Congress Bridge in downtown Austin. There is a church not too far from the Pennybacker bridge. The mall you’re thinking is likely Barton Creek Mall, a few miles south from the bridge.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Molto bello e slanciato. Buona giornata Egidio!
Egídio Leitão
Grazie, Luisella. Buona giornata!
solaner
Our state capitol is located at the stream Rhine. As quarters are located on both sides, a few bridges are crossing the river. To make them an icon, all of them follow the same construction principle and make them look more or less identical.
Egídio Leitão
André, that description you gave sounds beautiful. Do you have a link for a photo of yours? I’d love to see that.
solaner
As the river is not straight, you can have them all in one image. First an overview from Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kauB8cFxNynSLe7u7 Here you can see 2 of them: https://www.ddorf-aktuell.de/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/LVR_Bruecken_16092022-900×600.jpg
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the links. That’s very clever about using similar designs.
solaner
You‘re welcome 😊
Brad
Great photos and background on this bridge Egidio. I remember it from my trip to Austin and like the first photo and perspective the best.
Egídio Leitão
Thanks for the feedback, Brad. You have seen some of the best sites in Austin.