Pennybacker Bridge, Steel arch bridge over Lake Austin, United States.
The Pennybacker Bridge is a steel arch bridge spanning 351 meters across the lake and connecting Austin through Loop 360 highway. The structure carries four lanes of car traffic along with a separate bicycle path, all supported by the distinctive rust-colored arch without columns in the water.
Built between 1979 and 1982 to handle Austin's expanding traffic needs, the bridge was recognized with a major award upon completion for its innovative engineering approach. The construction used materials imported from Japan to achieve its distinctive appearance.
The bridge serves as a daily route for commuters connecting two sides of Austin, with many cyclists using the dedicated path alongside car traffic. Its rust-colored arch has become a visual landmark that locals and visitors naturally recognize.
The bridge sits roughly 30 meters above water level and allows boats and water activities to pass underneath year-round without obstruction. Both pedestrians and cyclists can use the dedicated path while drivers navigate the four lanes of Loop 360.
The design relies on 72 steel cables to support the entire structure, a technical solution that was uncommon worldwide when the bridge was completed. This cable arrangement allows the distinctive arch shape without visible support columns.
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