Many fond memories of tubing under this view. A private citizen allowed us onto his property to capture this image.
This bridge is famous as the home of the largest bat population in North America. On a warm evening just after sunset, 1.5 million bats fly out to get dinner.
My husband painted this bridge, I am posting it here for fans. Hope you like it.
I did manage to find a date for the truss from some steel bridge records I acquired. It’s a standard span, but a rather long one. This design is seen elsewhere on the Santa Fe system. I do not have any records for the trestle, although it is safe to assume it was rebuilt every 50 years or so.
I sure hope they don't remove the truss. Seems awful wasteful to erect a trail setup with parking, etc, just to tear it down. From the news article, it sounds like the wooden trestle is what's hurting the water flow during floods, by collecting debris.
It makes more sense, considering all imagery posted by newspapers has shown the timber pile trestlework, not the truss itself.
Hopefully the section 106 review gives us more info on the history of the structure as a whole, but I agree that they're unlikely to remove the truss.
I don't think the through truss is going to be demolished. It has been converted to a trail, and appears to be planned to be left in place.
https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/dart-agrees-to-give-bridge...
There does appear to be a warren truss structure nearby @
31.753026, -96.488174.
It was not there when the bridge was in place.
The ruler tool in Google Earth indicates that it has length and width dimensions that are comparable to those of the missing bridge.
Unless the bridge is out of view on the old alignment, things don't look so good.
I was thinking the same thing Luke. 1890's Warren ponies are rare birds to boot.
The article claims 1890, but if you look at images of the bridge, such as https://twoworldstreasures.com/10-surprising-things-to-see-a..., it matches ca 1910 trusses like http://bridgehunter.com/tx/ellis/mt-zion-road/ more than an 1890s structure.
I was about to mention that this bridge was an interesting pinned and riveted hybrid but I noticed that Anthony had already discussed that. This is one of those bridges that gets very interesting when you start looking at fine details.
Looks like a new cement bridge is in place.
There is a second similar bridge just to the south on this same property at 33.642329, -97.095273. It is a bit harder to spot because of the trees.
Lake Ray Roberts, about 15 miles to the south, was under construction from 1982 to 1987. There are a good number of similar bridges that were removed from the lake area and are now in parks and on private property throughout several north Texas counties.
Lake Ray Roberts, about 25 miles to the southeast, was under construction from 1982 to 1987. There are a good number of similar bridges that were removed from the lake area and are now in parks and on private property throughout several north Texas counties.
Photos from a 12/2019 visit to the park. The City of Muenster was kind enough to respond to my inquiry about the bridge's background, but unfortunately, even they don't know much in terms of its history, but they indicated that the bridge had been here for about thirty years.
On private land.
I agree, this is far better than the fate of so many pony trusses. If at some future date it is decided to place it in a better location and configuration, much of the original will still exist for people to enjoy.
This is sort of like having elephants in a zoo; inappropriate, but possibly the first exposure for some people, which may lead to a greater appreciation of those "in the wild".
Kudos to someone for not scrapping it.
This should be called the OMG WTF bridge...
Unrelated to the bridge/for Mike, though, since he'll probably enjoy the bassline: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv4wf7bzfFE&feature=youtu.be...
2019 was given by the EXIF data, so I didn't bother to change it.
And I'll add the Faux Covered Bridge category, just to be cheeky.
And while it's functionality as a bridge is now lost, considering it sat since around 2009, this use is better than totally being scrapped IMO.
Looks like another mangled metal truss to me...
Hey Luke! Didja mean 2020? Also, is this now a covered bridge? (Smile thingy)
Speaking as a guy who has played bass in bands for years, I would LOVE to play on that stage!!
The bridge is now in Kemp City Park, converted into a concert stage, dedicated to the memory of Jerry Wayne Hazelip, a Kemp City Councilman and community leader who passed on in early 2014.
I was at this bridge last weekend (1-18-20) I took a few photos of it's current condition.
I just saw a youtube video, and then read a article that the Montopolis bridge has been permanently closed to vehicles and will be just used as a pedestrian/bicycle bridge. I like to see these bridges open for what they were built for, but traffic is very heavy both ways on this road. This would also increase the longevity of this spectacular bridge. I'm glad I got to ride across this bridge in a car when I was on my Austin trip. A parallel southbound bridge was already built to the west of this bridge and already operating when I was there.
The photographs that were recently updated are marked as copyrighted on their associated website. Unless you get explicit written permission to upload photographs here, then you could be found guilty of a copyright violation.
Just because a photograph is posted online does not mean that it is in the public domain or available for the taking.
If you do get written permission to post a copyrighted photograph on here, then you should indicate that.
Providing a link to the original website, or stating "not my photo/video/etc" does not absolve you from any and all repercussions from using copyrighted material.
I was surprised this long-span pin-connected Pratt truss was not already on BridgeHunter, but it is on private property so its probably been off the official inventories for a while.
I just read about Brooke Crossing Lampasas River Lampasas TX in the novella "News of the World" by Paulette Jiles. It takes place in the late 1800s. I'm trying to find more info about the crossing/bridge.
Appears to have been excessive over weight limit collapse.
Chris - Ironic that I had visited 2 of the bridges (this and Blue River) you posted yesterday almost exactly 5 years ago.
They are 100 miles apart but I did not do both on the same day.
When I visited this bridge 5 years ago Clear Creek was dry so was able to take several photos from below. If you look closely in the barrel views the trusses are slightly different in height and also length.
It is locally known as the Leo Bridge for the small community about 1 mile south.
Love photo #463216; Love Anything Abandoned!
Bridge is still standing and next to newer cement bridge. Still has floor, however it is blocked and cannot enter bridge, 12/29/2019.
Bridge is still standing and next to newer cement bridge. Still has floor, however it is blocked and cannot enter bridge, 12/29/2019.
Confirmed bridge is still there. It is now a recognized archaeological site of Harrison County, TX. Pics taken 12/26/2019
This bridge appears to have been more of a stayed bridge with two stays extending from each tower toward midspan, rather than having a traditional suspension system. Images can be found here: http://www.rimrockpress.com/blog/index.php?m=05&y=08&entry=e...
Scheduled for demolition and replacement starting December 2.
Sometimes it is due to an isolated major problem not related to the overall bridge. Such as a bearing failure, which after its fixed the bridge would jump back up in rating. Or perhaps a single major event like a flood event created a major scour issue that didn't exist before. Not sure of this bridge's history.
How on earth does a bridge go from Good Deck/Good Superstructure/Fair Substructure to shut down?!
Tx dot shut down the bridge today after inspection
Reports indicate TXDOT began removing this bridge this weekend.
See the map at the following address. It shows the old road and past residences.
https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth190615/m1/1/z...
It appears that this bridge is now gone. Current Google Earth imagery shows that the bridge was removed sometime within the last five years.
According to this article, it has been reopened!
https://www.kxan.com/news/local/williamson-county/work-compl...
This is one tough bridge. I've been on it on the train and walked under it many times. There's old photos shortly after construction of US 79 which show this bridge. I'll try to find them later. I've witnessed it being hit twice. Once by a backhoe on a trailer and a camper. The camper itself didn't sustain any damage, but it ripped the air conditioner clean off.
New interpretation of a "Swing span"
This bridge currently has a swing installed on it.
According to https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&c...
This was both NRHP listed and, allegedly, relocated after replacement
This bridge has been closed twice in the past year due to barge collisions. Perhaps there is some kind of navigation problem here.
Thank you Tony...it was minimal effort at best
Nice detective work as always Melissa!
I Believe I've found an article believe answers your question...it's from the The Brazosport Facts October 10 1958. I hope this helps
I wouldn't have the faintest idea of where, definitively, to go, and can only suggest trying Google.
But one piece of info that might help is that the NBI shows that the current span on Route 2004 crossing this bayou - listed as FM 2004 - was built in 1965. Maybe the straightening was done in conjunction with the construction of replacing the truss bridge?
I am trying to figure out what agency or company straighten Bastrop Bayou and when it was done. I have been in Brazoria county since 1941 as a baby. I remember fishing there but was not straighten at that time 1953, I do not think, (but that was a long time ago). However, in my high school days I remember the fresh dirt on the banks after leaving bridge at Hoskins Mound rd. all way to Lost Lake or Intercoastal Canal (the ditch).
Please see if you can provide me with information or where I can go to secure the information.
Thank you, bill
This was State Highway 64 in 1939. The contract for the underpass was awarded by the State Highway Commission, Minute Order# 16172, Project# FAGM-423-I, on 4/3/1939 to Austin Bridge Co & Austin Road Co for $80,376.86.
A change was authorized in Minute Order# 16705 providing for substitution of concrete sidewalks for the asphaltic concrete sidewalk shown by plans, estimated increase in cost $2,772.28.
Completion of bridge was 11/29/1939; Minute Order# 16956.
Thomas, I found an article from 1963 mentioning the abandoned barge. A young man drowned trying to swim to it. I could not find anything on the origin of the abandoned barge.
There used to be a partially sunken barge in the river near the bridge for years. I was a child at the time and I would see the barge in the river whenever my family and I would cross the bridge on the way to visit relatives nearby. The image has haunted me all these years and I really want to know the story behind it. Apparently it has been removed since then.
Probably spent at least 500K on an ugly slab to carry 30 cars a day... Could have rehabbed the trusses for a fraction of that. Then to insult to injury they built the new pos next to the historic one and then demoed it.
Love it
Thanks for the updated pics too! Still looks good 8 years later!
Only been 8 years, but you're welcome.😁
Luke... good idea, I could hide some speakers playing it somewhere... if nothing else it would buy some time since Im sure they would shoot at that noise before me!
Blast this loud enough and they might leave you alone:
Sing out "The stars at night are big and bright ..." or dress up like Walker, Texas Ranger to get on the good side of those gun totin' Texans.
Saw it on T.V.
Nathan, better trade that yellow safety vest in for a bullet-proof vest!
Royce, how did you visit this bridge? The only west access road has sign that says and I quote "No Trespassing Violators Will Be Shot" and being this is Texas I take that seriously. When you have to do something extraordinarily to visit a bridge please consider sharing this info. Unless it wasn't like this when you visited in which case I'm warning everyone here.
Here's some photographs and text for you to grab, Melissa. https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/6136713/
It's a good sign that they actually poured a foundation to set it on... Looks like they have a plan for it!
Some pictures I took the evening of July 14, 2019. The old bridge is sitting next to the road, and the new bridge completed. If anyone finds out what the fate of the old bridge will be, please post it here. Hopefully it will be moved to a local public park, etc.
Aerial imagery from HistoricAerials confirms Clark's supposition.
The 1959 topo shows the Hart Spur off the RI starting to the NW. A road continues along the alignment to this crossing. By the look of it, this was a railroad bridge and the pile trestle approaches were replaced with the concrete beams. The pony girder may be older.
Love the decay/ruins
Lots of info on the category page:
http://bridgehunter.com/category/tag/ransome-rebar/
This was the first design for rebar. The twist provided grip so that the bar stayed bonded to the concrete under tension. Other companies developed methods to roll a pattern into the bar which proved easier than adding the twist.
Interesting, I didn't know that twisted square bar was a thing. The square bar that I've seen has been deformed but not twisted. How big did they make it?
Vance - Good call. I've got documentation somewhere but ca. 1915-20 was the build date. There are a couple of similar spans on the original Bankhead Highway route over Mountain Creek south from these that were completed ca 1920-21.
It looks like Ransome rebar, in which case the 1935 build date is probably 20 years too late.
Historic Truss Bridge over the West Fork Trinity River. Trinity Trails passes right underneath the bridge. One of the best scenic spots in the city to capture trains crossing the river.
Easy access. There isn't many operational 100 year old bridges in DFW, only a handful still remain. Great place for train spotting.
I checked it out in close detail. First picture is South of the gravel trail and there isn't much to look at but there is a Truss Bridge over the Trinity River is still there to the north if you follow the trail .
I always loved this bridge and how the woods were up close to it and reached over it, almost like a tunnel. My wife and I took our engagement photos on it, and I got some nice photos of my truck and Mustang on it. I'm not sure what will happen to the old structure now that it has been removed and a concrete bridge has been installed in its place. The iron is currently sitting in a field next to the new bridge. Sad to see it removed.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/29%C2%B055'45.0%22N+96%C2%...
looks like the bridge was closed to traffic in December 2017, no clue if that's still the case or if they reopened it.
Discovered that this bridge was a classic Penn Bridge Company Whipple... sad it was destroyed by a drunk.
These two spans share the same unusual Verts...
My fiancee is watching the golf match play championship from the Austin country club and they are showing alot of shots of this bridge.My fiancee brought it to my attention and i just wanted to mention this.I don't even like golf.
The covered up date cutout in photo 18 seems to indicate the span was moved from somewhere else. I’ve seen this on other relocated trusses with cutouts
This bridge was damaged by a fire overnight last night. Reading comments online, this is the second fire to damage it. Photo taken by Coupland VFD.
This is a railroad bridge. Same photo, many others, and lots of details here:
Hi, have this postcard that reportedly is building the Jim Ned bridge. Could you help me on this to authenticate this is the 1st Jim Ned bridge. Many Thanks...dan whatley
https://www.chron.com/neighborhood/deerpark/news/article/Cit...
"The fate of a decaying historical Pratt truss bridge at the Battleground Golf Course is in question as Deer Park’s city council wrestles with whether to spend money to repair it.
Depending on how much repairs would change the fundamental structure of the bridge — and the will of the council members to pay for them and possibly future maintenance — the bridge may not retain its historical status, City Councilwoman Sherry Garrison said."
More at the link.
Man I wish They widened the Baytown Tunnel from 2 to 4 lanes instead of Replacing it to a 8 lane Cable stayed bridge
There's already an entry for it at that location.: https://bridgehunter.com/tx/harris/bh49528/
This entry is for the original location
Current location of this bridge: 29.696398, -95.137191
My dad was a railroad engineer for HB&T until his death in 1966. I seem to remember a roundhouse on Canal St. At that time, HB&T was affiliated with AT&SF, and Mopac. Since we were relatives, we rode Santa Fe passenger trains for free.
I have very vivid memories of the Sunset Limited and the California Special. I remember the smell of the cl
ub car. Wonderful memories.
This bridge is now gone - replaced with a new bridge as part of I-35 widening project in area.
This bridge has been this way for a very long time. I was trying to explore this bridge years ago, but finding a place to stop isn't easy. I took the attached photo in 2010.
This bridge had a plaque denoting when it was constructed, but when I last drove by, it appeared to have fell out or been taken. I'd say it is fairly significant since it carried traffic over what was the major north/south highway in Texas.