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This bridge's main spans were originally built in 1884 as part of a a six span through truss at Congress Avenue over Colorado River in Austin, Texas. When that bridge was replaced in 1910, the six spans were placed into storage for five years. In 1915, three of the spans were placed over Onion Creek, but were destroyed by a flood in the same year. Another bridge was then erected at Onion Creek. In 1922, the three remaining 1884 spans of the Congress Avenue Bridge, apparently still in storage after all these years, were erected at this location. At some point, perhaps also in 1922, a riveted pony truss (not from the Congress Avenue Bridge) also was placed here as an approach span. In the Moores Crossing location, the bridge was closed to traffic in 1980, but is preserved for pedestrian use today.
The King Bridge Company of Cleveland, Ohio built the through truss spans, while the pony truss was built by Austin Bridge Company of Dallas, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia.
This bridge is an extremely rare example of a multi-span Whipple truss bridge. This bridge is also a rare example of a pin-connected, 19th century truss bridge built in a major urban city. Most major urban bridges of this vintage were replaced long ago. This bridge survived because it was relocated. The bridge retains a rare design of floorbeams that the King Bridge Company sometimes used, which have a post-tension style rod system under the main beams.
Above: Historical photo showing the bridge still in its original location but with its newly completed concrete arch bridge replacement next to it.
Above: King Iron Bridge Company advertisement that featured the Congress Avenue truss bridge.
Text From Bridge Interpretive PlaqueThis structure was originally part of a six-span bridge across the Colorado River at Congress Avenue in Austin. Constructed there in 1884, it was designed by the King Iron Bridge and Manufacturing Co. of Cleveland, Ohio. In 1910 it was dismantled and placed in storage. Five years later three spans were rebuilt here but destroyed the same year in a flood. The current bridge, comprised of the remaining spans, was completed in 1922. Recorded Texas Historic Landmark - 1980 |
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