Pennybacker Bridge and Loop 360 Boat Ramp

Pennybacker Bridge 

The Pennybacker Bridge (aka 360 bridge) is a through arch bridge across Lake Austin (Colorado River) to connect north and south Loop 360 highway, also known as the "Capital of Texas Highway." The road is widely considered one of the most scenic urban drives in central Texas, in large part due to this arched weathering steel bridge and the rolling hills that flank the road. It is said that in 2001, there was 48,000 vehicles that crossed the bridge daily. Compare that to 1991,when an estimated 22,000 vehicles crossed the bridge daily.
The bridge is notable for being anchored only to the land (doesn't have to go underwater). Named in honor of Texas Department of Transportation engineer Percy Pennybacker, who designed bridges for the Texas Highway Department and was a pioneer in the technology of welded structures. The contract for the bridge was let in late 1979 and major structural steelwork was finished by July 1982. The bridge was dedicated officially November 29, 1982 by Austin mayor Carole McClellan and other public officials and opened for traffic December 3, 1982.

photo by D. Kevin Surbaugh

photo by D. Kevin Surbaugh

Location:
(on Loop 360) 5201 N Capital of Texas Hwy Austin, TX 78746

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 Loop 360 Boat Ramp

The Loop 360 boat ramp is located below the southern end of Pennybacker Bridge over Lake Austin. This three-acre park is primarily used for lake access, but offers a grassy area for fishing and picnicking. A few bald cypress and sycamore trees grow along the water's edge. The boat ramp itself offers three lanes. Other activities include boating, fishing and picnicking.

photo by D. Kevin Surbaugh

Amenities:

• 3-Lane boat Ramp
• picnic tables
• benches
• barbeque grills

Admission::

Day Use Permit per vehicle per day: $10.00

Pedestrian/bicyclist per person per day: $3.00

Trailer parking per trailer per day: $2.00

Annual day permit per vehicle: $100.00

Duplicate annual day permit per vehicle (with proof of original annual permit purchase): $50.00

Trailer parking annual permit per trailer (must be used with annual day permit): $30.00

Lone Star senior day permit: free to ages 62 and older

Lone Star veteran day permit (for veterans with more than 60% service-related disability): free , VA documentation required


Location:
(under the Pennybacker Bridge)  5201 N  Capital of Texas Hwy Austin, TX 78746

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