State Highway 3 Bridge at the Colorado River
a.k.a. US 90 Br. at the Colorado R.;CD0027-01-001
US 90, .6 mi. E of jct. with Loop 329, Columbus, TXThe State Highway 3 Bridge at the Colorado River, built from 1931 to 1932, is significant for embodying the defining characteristics of a THD truss bridge. In particular, it is representative of THD's practice of combining standard designs to span long crossings in Texas. The bridge meets National Register Criterion C in the area of Engineering at a state level of significance.
The Colorado River bridge was built on SH 3, also known as the Southern National highway, which linked Del Rio, San Antonio, Houston, Beaumont, and Orange. From Seguin to Houston, the route paralleled a branch of the Texas & New Orleans Railroad (also known as the Southern Pacific Railroad). By about 1930, the route was actually designated SH 3/US 90, and by 1938 the original SH 3 designation had been dropped.
The bridge replaced an unsafe truss bridge dating to about 1898. In 1928, a highway department truck passing a gravel truck on the old bridge fell through the bridge deck after the floor beams failed. One man was killed and another injured. As a result, the county stepped up pressure for a new bridge but was unwilling to pass bonds to help pay for it, believing that it was the state's responsibility. Finally, after THD repairs to the old bridge failed, the state proceeded with a federal aid project to construct a new bridge to the north of the original structure.
The new bridge was situated on an improved alignment, eliminating a sharp turn on the approach roadway. It also provided an increased roadway width over the previous bridge. THD and Bureau of Public Roads (BPR) engineers agreed to the town's request to keep the approach route on Walnut Street, the main street through downtown, provided the town would grant the additional right-of-way to facilitate widening the street. BPR inserted a special clause into the project agreement requiring THD to replace a nearby railroad overpass when the volume of traffic demanded it. The existing overpass, located just to the east of the bridge, was below the high water level and was susceptible to flooding. THD prepared the plans for the new Colorado River bridge and because it was a federal aid project, BPR reviewed and approved them. The THD resident engineer in Columbus supervised the construction, which engineers from both THD and BPR inspected.
In keeping with THD's preference for using standard designs to minimize costs and facilitate ease of construction, THD bridge engineers used a combination of standards truss designs (T22-200 and T22-150) for the long crossing over the Colorado River, thereby avoiding the need for a custom design. The T22200, used for the main span, was designed in about 1930. It is one of 25 THD standard designs for Parker truss spans the Bridge Division developed; only 11 of these designs are represented by Texas bridges today. The Colorado River bridge is one of only three examples of this standard design surviving in Texas. it is one of only four multiple-span truss bridges surviving in the state that displays a combination of different THD standard design trusses.
The Texas Highway Commission opened bids for the construction of the Colorado River bridge on July 30, 1931. After reviewing the five bids submitted, the commission awarded the contract to the Austin Bridge Company of Dallas, which submitted a low bid of about $125,000. The Mosher Steel & Machinery Company of Dallas fabricated the truss span.
Work on the Colorado River bridge began on October 24, 1931, and was completed on November 14, 1932. Several episodes of high water and the presence of compacted shale and large boulders in the subsoil hindered the construction of the bridge substructure. Despite these difficulties, the bridge was completed on schedule at a cost of just over $128,000.
THD engineers, in an effort to achieve the best appearance possible for the bridge, implemented a field change to use steel channel railing on approach spans instead of the pipe railing called for in the original construction plans. The 9-inch channel railing matched that used on the truss spans. THD also required the contractors to use creosoted pine posts for guard fences rather than the more irregular cedar posts that the contractor had ordered.
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
During the Republic of Texas era, Colorado County saw rapid growth and development. The county seat, Columbus, was established in 1839 and quickly became a major commercial center. The town served as an important stop on the Old San Felipe Road, a major transportation route connecting East and Central Texas. The discovery of oil and gas in the region in the early 20th century further fueled the county's growth and economic prosperity.
Colorado County played an important role during the Civil War. Many residents of German descent who settled in the county were Union sympathizers, while others supported the Confederacy. The county witnessed several skirmishes and military actions, including the Battle of Columbus in 1862, when Confederate forces repelled a Union raid. After the war, the county slowly rebuilt its economy and infrastructure.
In the 20th century, Colorado County diversified its economy beyond agriculture. The discovery of oil and gas led to the development of a thriving energy industry, and manufacturing and services sectors also grew. Today, Colorado County is a mix of suburban and rural areas, with agriculture, oil and gas, and tourism forming the pillars of its economy. The county continues to preserve its historical sites and celebrate its diverse heritage, attracting visitors from across the state and beyond.
Colorado County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Colorado County, Texas.
- 1821: The area that would become Colorado County, TX is included in Austin's Colony, established by the Mexican government.
- 1835: The area plays a role in the Texas Revolution as volunteers from Colorado County participate in the Battle of Gonzales.
- 1837: Colorado County is officially established as a county in the Republic of Texas.
- 1838: Columbus is selected as the county seat.
- 1846: Colorado County is incorporated into the state of Texas as it becomes part of the United States.
- 1850s: The county experiences rapid growth as more settlers move into the area, establishing farms and ranches.
- 1861: With the outbreak of the Civil War, many residents of Colorado County actively support the Confederacy.
- 1870s: The county's economy starts to diversify with the discovery of oil, leading to the establishment of oil wells and refineries.
- 1935: The Lower Colorado River Authority is established, and dams are constructed in the area for flood control and water supply.
- 1970s: Colorado County experiences an agricultural decline as farming becomes less profitable.
- 1997: The Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long Center for the Performing Arts is opened in Austin, providing a cultural center for the region.