Austin, Texas story
The Engineering of Pennybacker Bridge
How do you build a bridge across a scenic river without letting a single support pillar touch the water? That was the challenge in the late 1970s when engineers designed the Penny…
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How do you build a bridge across a scenic river without letting a single support pillar touch the water? That was the challenge in the late 1970s when engineers designed the Pennybacker Bridge to carry Loop 360 across Lake Austin. Completed by Clearwater Constructors, the bridge opened to traffic on December 3, 1982.
Its innovative design was only the second of its type in the entire world to use a cable support system. By completely clearing the water below, it kept the river open for boaters and preserved the natural beauty of the canyon. The stunning steel arch was such a triumph of engineering and aesthetics that it won first place for highway design in 1984 from the Federal Highway Administration.
Today, its rust-colored steel is an iconic symbol of Central Texas, perfectly framing the rugged hills around you.
Updated June 2026