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Beveridge
Bridge plaque
Photo courtesy Judy McBride, November 2005 |
| The
Beveridge Bridge proudly bears its makers plaque atop the crossbeam: "Built by
the Flinn, Moyer Bridge Co.,Weatherford Tex 1896". Crossing the San Saba River
just north of the city of San Saba, this single
lane, parallel wire suspension bridge is 140' long with a wood deck supported
by three-pole pylons, iron pipes, rods and castings. Although it had been rebuilt
at least three times over the last century, it was closed to vehicle traffic in
2004 and a new concrete bridge was built beside it. The nearby Regency
Bridge is now the only suspension bridge in Texas
still open to vehicle traffic. |
| | Beveridge
Bridge
Photo courtesy Judy McBride, November 2005 |
Restoration of this
picturesque old bridge, to begin in November of 2005, will be managed by the Texas
Dept. of Transportation, Historic Bridge Preservation Program. The work will include
new concrete foundations, cables, wood deck and paint. When finished, it will
be open to pedestrian traffic only. The anticipated reopening is summer, 2006.
John H. Beveridge established the first crossing of the San Saba River at
this location for the transportation of local crops to market.
© Judy
McBride
"The TxDOT has a project to rehab and restore 10 bridges
throughout the state." - Judy McBride, November 20, 2005 |
Beveridge Bridge
Photo & Research by Jim & Lou Kinsey |
| | Beveridge
Bridge
Photo courtesy Jim & Lou Kinsey, 2003 |
Texas
bridge builder Flinn-Moyer of Weatherford assembled this unique 140-foot structure
in 1891 using iron pipes, rods and castings. (The three-pole pylons that are used
for structural support were a company invention.)
The bridge, which crosses
the San
Saba River just outside of town, is one of only two suspension bridges, in
the state of Texas, that are still used by cars and trucks.
Named for
John H. Beveridge, who established the first crossing at this location for the
transport of local crops in to town. Has the trademark Flinn-Moyer tripod towers
with cast-iron saddles supporting cables of galvanized wire. The towers are linked
together by a series of smaller pipes creating an interesting visual effect.
© Jim &
Lou Kinsey
The
Wedding Oak
Photographer Gibson provided this tip: "The
Wedding Oak is right up (down) the road of the Beveridge Suspension Bridge
near San Saba. If you've been to the bridge,
you've passed under this tree." | |
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