Claimed by many as one of the most scenic urban road in Austin, the landscape nearby Pennybacker bridge offers a breathtaking view of rolling hill and calm Lake Austin against the green suburb and blue sky. Some call it 'Pennybacker Bridge' and others name it as '360 Bridge'. Either name is referring to the rustic steel bridge on Capital Of Texas Highway (or Loop 360 Hwy) near Westlake neighborhood in Austin.

Named after Percy Pennybacker who was an outstanding bridge engineer for the Texas Highway Department, the bridge project was initiated in 1979 from the structures fabricated in Korea. It was opened for traffic on 3 December 1982.

An extraordinary design with no part of the structure touches the water, Pennybacker Bridge is 1150 feet (351 m) long accommodating the central arched span of a 600-foot or 183 m. Running across Lake Austin or a stretch of Colorado River, this unique design allows water recreational activities to take place smoothly without columns.


To enjoy the best view of Pennybacker Bridge, stop at a small parking bay several yards before the bridge on 360 Loop north. Take a hike on a rocky trail and one would be rewarded with fantastic panaromic view of Pennybacker Bridge and a far sight of Austin city skyline. This flat spot on a bluff offers an awesome landscape of south, east and west corners. It is also overlooking Lake Austin where one could see boating and water skiing. The wind on top of the hill is breezy and relaxing. Good to arrive in evening with a blanket and a picnic basket to watch sunset. Do not forget the camera.
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