Description:
In 1910, the Galveston, Harrisburg, and San Antonio Railway Company moved two 19th century wrought iron spans from elsewhere on its lines and widened them to 25 feet to construct a bridge over the tracks at Hays Street. Horse drawn vehicles, and later automobiles, used the bridge until structural concerns forced the city to close it in 1982.
The bridge faced demolition until a group of engineers, preservationists, East Side residents, and bike enthusiasts petitioned the City to save the bridge. As a result of their efforts, the bridge received federal funding and a $50,000 matching grant from the Society in 2001. It was also designated a Texas Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a City of San Antonio Local Landmark.
After a $3.7 million restoration, the historic bridge reopened in 2010 for pedestrian and bicycle use. Today, it connects downtown to the Dignowity Hill Historic District and to the Salado Creek Hike and Bike Trail.
The bridge faced demolition until a group of engineers, preservationists, East Side residents, and bike enthusiasts petitioned the City to save the bridge. As a result of their efforts, the bridge received federal funding and a $50,000 matching grant from the Society in 2001. It was also designated a Texas Historic Civil Engineering Landmark and a City of San Antonio Local Landmark.
After a $3.7 million restoration, the historic bridge reopened in 2010 for pedestrian and bicycle use. Today, it connects downtown to the Dignowity Hill Historic District and to the Salado Creek Hike and Bike Trail.
Credit Line:
Courtesy of the San Antonio Conservation Society
ID Number:
SWPF—2014—0005
Click to Enlarge
A rare Whipple Phoenix bridge truss (left) and a Pratt truss (right), 2001
Now, an inviting link between downtown and the East Side, 2011.
A rare Whipple Phoenix bridge truss (left) and a Pratt truss (right), 2001
Now, an inviting link between downtown and the East Side, 2011.