Montopolis Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Montopolis Bridge |
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The Montopolis Bridge in 2020
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| Carries | Bicycle and pedestrian crossing (formerly  US 183 frontage road) |
| Crosses | Colorado River |
| Locale | Austin, Texas |
| Owner | State of Texas |
| ID number | 142270026501034 |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Parker through truss |
| Material | Steel |
| Total length | 1,221 feet (372 m) |
| Width | 24 feet (7.3 m) |
| Longest span | 200 feet (61 m) |
| Number of spans | 9 |
| Clearance above | 19 feet (5.8 m) |
| History | |
| Designer | Texas Highway Department |
| Constructed by | Vincennes Steel Corporation |
| Construction begin | February 15, 1937 |
| Construction cost | $232,000 |
| Opened | February 11, 1938 |
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Montopolis Bridge
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 Location in Texas
Location in the United States
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| Area | less than 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| MPS | Historic Bridges of Texas MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 96001118 |
| Added to NRHP | October 10, 1996 |
The Montopolis Bridge is an old and important bridge in Austin, Texas. It is found in the Montopolis area. Today, it is a special path for bikes and people walking. This bridge crosses the beautiful Colorado River in southeastern Travis County. It was built using a strong design called a Parker through truss. The bridge was officially recognized as a historic place on October 10, 1996.
Contents
Building a New Bridge for Austin
A Flood Changes Everything
On June 15, 1935, the city of Austin had a very big flood. The Colorado River overflowed its banks. The original Montopolis Bridge, which was built in the late 1880s, was washed away. It was one of five bridges lost in this powerful flood.
Designing and Building the Bridge
After the flood, a new bridge was needed quickly. The Texas Highway Department designed the current Montopolis Bridge. They asked for money from the government to help rebuild it. Work on the bridge started on February 15, 1937.
The Vincennes Steel Corporation built the bridge. It was finished on February 11, 1938. The cost to build this important bridge was about $232,000. This was a lot of money back then!
The Bridge's Journey: From Cars to Cyclists
A Busy Road for Many Years
For many years, the Montopolis Bridge was a very busy road. It was an important way to get to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It also connected Downtown Austin to other areas. In 2006, about 29,200 vehicles crossed the bridge every single day.
Becoming a Path for People
The bridge was used for cars until October 8, 2018. After that, it was changed into a special path. Now, it is only for people riding bikes and walking. This change was part of a bigger project called the Bergstrom Expressway Project. It helps people enjoy the river and travel safely without cars.
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Bridge seen in 2013
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Austin skyline from the bridge
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The Colorado River in the Montopolis area
Images for kids
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Deck during conversion to pedestrian use in 2020
