State Highway No. 78 Bridge at the Red River

The State Highway 78 Bridge spans the Red River with eight through truss sections, connecting Oklahoma and Texas. The structure uses a K-Parker truss system with multiple pony spans to cross the riverway.

This bridge was built during the Great Depression as part of Roosevelt's New Deal and replaced a suspension structure that collapsed in a 1934 storm. The project was a federal relief program that created jobs during economically difficult times.

The bridge reflects engineering practices from the 1930s depression era, with its distinctive K-Parker truss design featuring characteristic camelback pony spans. Visitors can observe the careful craftsmanship and sturdy construction methods typical of that period.

The bridge is easily accessible from the highway and offers good viewing opportunities from the roadside. There are limited stopping areas nearby, but the structure is fully visible from the road.

The bridge was built by two separate companies: Illinois Steel Bridge Company fabricated the trusses while Kansas City Bridge Company handled the assembly. This split responsibility was typical for large federal construction projects of that era.

Location: Texas

Location: Oklahoma

Location: Fannin County

Architects: Oklahoma Department of Transportation

Address: OK 78, across the Red River at the OK-TX state line

GPS coordinates: 33.75280,-96.19580

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:06