Thursday, October 25, 2012

The Pennybacker Bridge: Downtown Pride Spreads to Westlake




The Pennybacker Bridge, also known as the 360 Bridge, is located on Lake Austin in Westlake. Although it is not directly located in the heart of Austin, it still contributes to the atmosphere of the city. The cliff overlooking the bridge not only offers an aerial view of the bridge itself but also reveals Austin’s downtown skyline. The bridge is a brown, steel arch bridge that connects the north and south ends of the capital of Texas Highway, also known as Loop 360. Although the bridge itself is not particularly stunning, the view driving across the bridge is unmistakable one of the most scenic views in Austin.
The main purpose of the Pennybacker Bridge is to provide a way of transportation for cars to cross Lake Austin. However, the design of this bridge gives drivers the opportunity to appreciate the scenery of Austin as well. The bridge’s rustic color helps it blend in with its natural surroundings in order to emphasize the view and encourage drivers to admire. The man-made bridge does not take away from the nature that encompasses it but, in fact, draws attention to the scenery of the area.



            The Pennybacker Bridge shows the pride of Austin resident spreading throughout downtown and into suburban parts of Austin as well. Not only can those living in Austin boast about their famous trailer park food, take picture by the “I Love You” wall on SoCo, or take a trip to 6th street, but they can also show off the breath-taking view and natural beauty of the Pennybacerk bridge.
The Pennybacker Bridge is an important part of Austin because it reveals a glimpse of the natural beauty the city has to offer. Often times, urban residents overlook natural beauty because they are accustomed to spending pleasure time in the “city scene.” This bridge allows for residents in Austin to appreciate the green, rolling hills and smooth, blue lake as a vital part of the city as well as the downtown scene. The bridge is an example of Austin’s spirit spreading not only through downtown but throughout Westlake as well.  This man-made development ironically brings out one of the many amazing locations Austin has to offer. 


Pennybacker Bridge at Dusk

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