Houston Street Viaduct

a.k.a. Dallas-Oak Cliff Viaduct

Houston St. roughly between Arlington St. and Lancaster Ave., Dallas, TX
The Houston Street Viaduct was the first of five concrete and steel viaducts built to connect the north and south sections of Dallas. One of the longest viaducts with reinforced concrete arches ever built (6,562'), the bridge was constructed entirely with Dallas County funds at a surprisingly low cost of $2.10 per square foot of floor. The bridge includes an unusual feature designed to facilitate ocean-going vessels in this inland city; a steel plate girder span over the river channel with special "shoes" that feature vertical bearing surfaces for transmitting the arch thrust through the piers to the girder span.

On May 25, 1908, the worst flood in Dallas history swept down the Trinity River causing over a million dollars worth of damage to homes and businesses located near the banks of the river. This flood washed away most of the bridges and left the remaining ones underwater. The Oak Cliff community and Dallas were thus effectively cut off from each other for a week. The Houston Street Viaduct was built as a direct result of this flood.

In 1909, the County of Dallas voted a bond issue of $600,000 to construct the viaduct. After the acquisition of the right-of-way, the county had $563,000 remaining for construction. In November of 1909, County Engineer J.F. Witt advertised for competitive bids. All bids had to be in on January 1, 1910, with these general specifications:

  1. Any structure between Dallas and Oak Cliff has to be of reinforced concrete of either arch or trestle construction.

  2. The bridge must provide a roadway for vehicular traffic and shall include two sidewalks, with provisions for a double-track electric railway in the future.

  3. It must be 50 feet from a handrail to a handrail, or any greater width so long as that width does not cause the construction of the viaduct to exceed the money available.

  4. Conduit spaces must be provided longitudinally throughout the viaduct of no less than 20 square feet.

  5. All designs are to consider live loads of two 100,000-pound electric cars on each track plus 100 pounds per square foot, or a 15-ton road roller having a maximum axle concentration of 10 tons. Sidewalks should be designed to support 80 pounds per square foot.

  6. Complete construction plans, specifications, and design analysis are to accompany bids.


All bids were considered by a board of engineers consisting of T.U. Baylor, Otto H. Lang, and N. Werenskiold. Of the 15 bids submitted, an arch design of Ira G. Hedrick, C.E., of Kansas City, Missouri, with M.R. Ash as Associate Engineer, was accepted with only two modifications. Exceptions included the adoption of pile footings instead of spread reinforced concrete footings and the widening of the roadway from 40 to 44 feet with two 45-foot-wide sidewalks. Pile footings were utilized because of soil conditions. The roadway was broadened because the bid submitted was low enough to warrant the alteration with the money available.

The county awarded the contract to Corrigan, Lee, and Halpin, of Kansas City, Missouri. The fieldwork was carried out under the supervision of Hedrick and Cochrane, Consulting Engineers, of the same city, and J.F. Witt, a Dallas County Engineer. Work on the viaduct began in October of 1910 and was completed late in 1911. It incorporated top-quality materials and workmanship and utilized both proven and innovative techniques. The proposed Trinity River Canal, which would have connected Dallas to the 300-mile-distant Gulf of Mexico, demanded a 90-foot clearance under the viaduct's central span. The use of a concrete arch at this point was prohibited by the height. It was necessary either to build abutment piers on either side of the river capable of receiving the unbalanced thrust of the arches or to transmit the thrust through the river span. The latter scheme was chosen, prompting the design of the special "shoes," which have both the usual horizontal, plus vertical, bearing surfaces on the bridge seat.

Careful construction has proved a valuable investment, for the Houston Street Viaduct continues to serve as a major traffic artery for the county. Newer, nearby bridges over the Trinity are higher, but none have the solidity or visual prominence of the Houston Street Viaduct. The northern, downtown, sections of the bridge begin at Union Terminal (National Register, 1975), and continue over a network of railroad tracks, IH 30, and Reunion Arena. The context of the southern half of the bridge remains little changed, crossing the Trinity River and flood plain into an early and intact section of the Oak Cliff suburb.
Local significance of the structure:
Engineering; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1984.

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.

The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
Dallas County, located in northern Texas, has a rich history that has contributed to its growth and significance. Here is a concise summary of its historical journey:

Established in 1846, Dallas County played a crucial role in the development of North Texas. The county's namesake, George Mifflin Dallas, was the Vice President of the United States at the time. The city of Dallas, the county seat, quickly emerged as a center for trade and commerce due to its strategic location along major transportation routes.

During the late 19th century, Dallas County experienced rapid economic growth driven by industries such as cotton, railroads, and cattle. The city of Dallas became a major hub for cotton trading, attracting business and establishing itself as a prominent financial center in the Southwest.

In the 20th century, Dallas County continued to evolve and diversify its economy. The discovery of oil in the nearby East Texas Oil Field in the early 1900s led to the development of the oil industry in the region, contributing to the county's prosperity. The county also played a significant role in the aerospace industry, hosting the headquarters of major aerospace companies and contributing to the growth of aviation technology.

Dallas County's cultural landscape reflects its vibrant and diverse population. The county is home to a wide range of cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, theaters, and music venues. Dallas County also played a notable role in the civil rights movement, with important milestones in the fight for equality and integration.

Today, Dallas County stands as a major economic and cultural center. It boasts a robust economy supported by various industries, including finance, technology, healthcare, and telecommunications. The county is known for its thriving arts scene, professional sports teams, and diverse culinary offerings.

With its rich history, economic vitality, and cultural significance, Dallas County continues to shape North Texas as a dynamic and influential region.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Dallas County, Texas.

  • Pre-19th Century: The area was originally inhabited by various indigenous tribes, including the Caddo, Wichita, and Comanche.

  • 1839: Dallas County was officially established and named after George Mifflin Dallas, the Vice President of the United States under President James K. Polk.

  • Mid-19th Century: Dallas County experienced significant growth with the establishment of Dallas as a trading post and the arrival of settlers drawn by the opportunities in trade and agriculture.

  • Late 1800s: The county prospered with the expansion of railroads, particularly the Texas and Pacific Railway and the Houston and Texas Central Railroad, which solidified Dallas as a major transportation hub.

  • Early 20th Century: Dallas County saw a surge in economic development and urbanization. Industries such as oil, cotton, banking, and manufacturing fueled the city's growth.

  • 1960s: Dallas County gained national attention due to its role in the civil rights movement. The city of Dallas was the site of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963.

  • Late 20th Century: Dallas County continued to experience rapid growth and diversification, becoming a major center for business, finance, and telecommunications. The county is known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the Dallas Arts District.

  • Today, Dallas County is the second-most populous county in Texas and home to the city of Dallas, a thriving metropolitan area.