The Pennybacker Bridge is located at 4801 Plaza on the Lake, Austin, TX 78746. It is the largest of the three rapid bridge crossings in the city and provides access to East Riverside Park. Completed in 1932 by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service, it was built as a-one-lane wooden bridge capable of carrying automobiles only. Today, however, it hosts two vehicular lanes and one foot lane for pedestrians. Although it has been featured on currency numerous times over its history, it has never actually been used as a means of payment in any manner. Here are some interesting facts about this iconic structure:
The Pennybacker Bridge was named after a man
The Pennybacker Bridge was named after Frank E. Pennybacker. He was the director of the Austin District of the Soil Conservation Service, which was an agency responsible for maintaining soil conservation throughout the country. The bridge was constructed as a means of reducing the amount of traffic on nearby bridges that did not have sufficient capacity to handle the increased volume of automobiles. The name, Pennybacker, is not an uncommon one and can be used to describe a man who is extremely penny-minded or someone who has a fascination with small things. Find out more.
How to take a penny off the Pennybacker Bridge?
Visitors to Austin, Texas can take a penny off the Pennybacker Bridge by placing a coin in the slot of the pedestrian walkway located on the bridge. If the penny is from 1964 or earlier, it will be returned to the person who placed it in the slot. At any other time, the penny will remain at the bottom of the Pennybacker. The penny slot on the Pennybacker Bridge allows visitors to take a penny off the side of the structure for a number of reasons. There are those who believe that the penny slot is protected by a statute that prevents its removal. Others believe that the slot is protected by an agreement that states the bridge is off limits to maintenance. While there is some evidence to support each thought, it is also likely that the slot was just left un-maintained and allowed to fall off the bridge.
Where to find the Pennybacker Bridge Today?
The Pennybacker Bridge crosses the Colorado River at the end of West Avenue. To get there, tourists can use the Pennybacker Bridge as a reference point when driving in Austin, Texas. The Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau publishes a map of the city that shows tourists where they are in relation to the bridge. It is important to note, however, that the Pennybacker Bridge is no longer a functioning bridge. The Pennybacker Bridge was demolished in 1998 due to its poor condition and the high risk that it posed to the public. The Austin City Council, however, was persuaded to allow the bridge to be destroyed by explosives.
Fascinating Facts About the Pennybacker Bridge, Austin, Texas
The Pennybacker Bridge is 77 feet long and is the longest single-span reinforced concrete bridge in the world. It is also the only bridge in the city that crosses the Colorado River. The bridge is painted in a distinctive red color that was chosen for aesthetic reasons and not for any particular blood tie to the color. It is also painted with a white stripe that serves as a guide for boats and ships. The Central Texas section of the Colorado River is one of the most dangerous stretches of water in the country due to the presence of massive limestone rocks that lie just below the surface. The Colorado River was named after the river, not the other way around. The river was named by Spanish explorer Juan Domene Guzman. The name was derived from the Colorado Aztec language and meant “Muddy River.”
Conclusion
The Pennybacker Bridge is a historic and iconic structure in Austin, Texas. It has been part of the city’s landscape for over 80 years and has witnessed both the city’s growth and decline. It is also one of the most recognizable structures in Austin, Texas and a must-see for any tourist visiting the city. If you would like to learn more about this structure, we recommend visiting the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau website. There, you can find information about the bridge including how to take a penny off the side of the structure and where the bridge is located today. Browse this site.