Waco Suspension Bridge, Suspension bridge in Waco, United States.
The Waco Suspension Bridge is a steel and brick suspension bridge that spans across the Brazos River, linking Indian Spring Park with Doris D. Miller Park in the town. The structure stretches about 475 feet and is supported by two distinctive twin towers built from locally manufactured bricks.
The bridge was built in 1869 by engineer Thomas M. Griffith using cables from the Roebling company, which later supplied materials for the Brooklyn Bridge. It operated as a toll crossing until 1889, when McLennan County purchased it and eliminated all passage fees.
The bridge stands at a location with deep roots in the area's early history and the Huaco Indians who settled near the cold spring. For locals and visitors, it represents a lasting connection to the people who first inhabited these river banks.
The crossing is free to use today and accessible for pedestrians and cyclists from both sides of the river. The best times to walk across are in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable and the light is pleasant.
The structure required three million locally produced bricks for its distinctive double towers, making it a notable engineering accomplishment of 19th-century Texas. This enormous quantity of bricks came from regional sources and demonstrates how the construction relied entirely on what was available nearby.
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