Waco Suspension Bridge

Bridge Street Bridge

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Bridge Documented: March 2008

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth

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Key Facts

	Bridge Name	Facility Carried / Feature Intersected	Location	Structure Type	Construction Date and Builder/Engineer
	Waco Suspension Bridge Bridge Street Bridge	Bridge Street Over Brazos River	Waco: McLennan County, Texas	Metal Pony Truss Stiffening Wire Cable Suspension, Fixed and Approach Spans: Metal 4 Panel Rivet-Connected Warren Pony Truss, Fixed	1870 By Builder/Contractor: John A. Roebling Sons Company of New York, New York and Engineer/Design: Thomas M. Griffith

Technical Facts

Rehabilitation Date	Main Span Length	Roadway Width	Main Spans	Approach Spans
1914	475 Feet (144.8 Meters)	18 Feet (5.5 Meters)	1	1

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)

View Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) Documentation For This Bridge

HAER Data Pages, PDF

This bridge was one of the largest suspension bridge spans in the world when the original structure was completed in late 1869/early 1870. In 1913/1914, most of the original bridge structure was replaced, including the cables and stiffening trusses. As such, a 1914 construction date might be argued to be more appropriate for this bridge. The large brick towers appear to be the only major remnant of the original bridge. Despite this, even when considered a 1914 bridge, this structure is an extremely beautiful suspension bridge that forms a historical centerpiece for Waco. Large pony stiffening truss with built-up beams featuring attractive v-lacing, riveted lattice railings, and towers with arched bracing make this bridge attractive.

The bridge features a warren pony truss approach span at the northern end of the bridge.

The bridge has been preserved for non-motorized use, having been closed to vehicular traffic in 1970.

Bridge Summary From National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form

Discussion of Bridge

An early suspension bridge with two double cable towers of pink brick (now stuccoed) with superimposed arches connecting the two piers of each tower and crossing the road bed. Toll houses and walls terminate both ends of the bridge. The original crenellation, pierced openings, and fine detail has been removed or stuccoed over, but the general lines of the structures are still architecturally interesting. The toll houses have stepped gable roofs, parapets, and round arched openings now closed up.

The Waco suspension bridge was the first bridge across the Brazos River and the longest single span suspension bridge in the world when it was built. It was chartered by Waco stockholders November 1, 1866. Col. John T. Flint, President of the Waco Bridge Company, went to New York and contacted the John A. Roebling Company (the Brooklyn Bridge was completed in 1883). The engineer Thomas M. Griffith was sent to Waco to design the bridge. It has a 475 foot span and the cable and pieces were tooled at eastern foundries and shipped to Galveston. They were then sent on part of the way by rail and the rest of the way by ox teams. Thousands and thousands of local brick were used.

The bridge was opened January 7, 1870 and functioned for twenty years as a toll bridge with a 24 hour toll keeper. On September 1, 1889, it was purchased by McLennan county for $75,000 and conveyed to the city for one dollar.

A severe flood in 1885 damaged the east approach and a steel span was built for this section. Later the windows and doors of the anchor houses and towers were closed and the brick construction was covered with plaster. The bridge is still in daily use.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

O'Dowd, Mary Alice. The Magic Bridge. Waco, The Heritage Society of Waco, n.d., Pamphlet, 4pp.

Liecke, Jay; Mogas, Richard; Fields, Earl. Waco Suspension Bridge. Unpublished Student Paper. Architecture Archives, University of Texas, Austin, Texas n.d.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes, this bridge is listed with reference number 70000850.

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Photos and Videos: Waco Suspension Bridge

Available Photo Galleries and Videos

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	Bridge Photo-Documentation Original / Full Size Photos	A collection of overview and detail photos. For the best visual immersion and full detail, or for use as a desktop background, this gallery presents the photos for this bridge in the original digital camera resolution.
	Bridge Photo-Documentation Mobile Optimized Gallery	A collection of overview and detail photos. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem (dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below. Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer

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