Texas Historic Bridges

Texas has beautiful historic bridges across this state, from
metal truss bridges on county roads, to stone masonry bridges built by the Works Progress Administration and more. These structures tell the story of transportation across the state and are cherished by the communities they serve.

• Find historic bridges in your area
• Learn more about adopting an old bridge
• Did you know Texas leads the nation in bridge design innovation?
• See how bridge engineers used new technology to change the way bridges were made after WWII
• Information for Bridge Owners

Are you a metal truss bridge owner? Read more here.

Metal Truss Bridges

These iconic bridges are increasingly old and rare in Texas, though hundreds are now in parks, hike-and-bike trails or bypassed along the side of the road.

• Brief History of Truss Bridges in Texas
• Types of Trusses
• Visual Glossary of Truss Bridge Terminology

Giving Old Bridges New Life

When historic bridges start aging, some can be rehabilitated

for continued use, while others find new life in a park or as
pedestrian bridges. Read successful stories below.

• Watch this video of the Restoration of Beveridge Bridge, San Saba County
• Moving the Labatt Bridge to the Historic El Camino Real Hike and Bike Trail
• Restoration and Adoption of the Worley Bridge, Milam County
• Take a Virtual Tour of Truss Bridges in Denton County

More Information

Interested in learning more? Want to research bridge history yourself?  

• Watch this Historic Bridge 101 Webinar (roles of partners and how they address historic bridges)
  
• TxDOT’s Historic Bridge Research and Documentation Guide (how to research the history of a bridge)
• Historic Bridge Foundation (a national non-profit partnered with TxDOT)
• Texas Historical Commission (our main state agency partner in historic bridges)

Contact Us

Director of Cultural Resources Management
(512) 416-2628
Email