The Pennybacker bridge, better known as the “360 Bridge” because it spans Lake Austin (Colorado River...no, not the one that carved the Grand Canyon) via highway 360 - a.k.a. “The Capital of Texas Highway” - is named after Percy V. Pennybacker who designed bridges for the Texas Highway Department and was a pioneer in the technology of welded structures. Mr. Pennybacker earned his Civil Engineering degree from the University of Texas and served in both World Wars. By incorporating the use of welding for its bridge design, he is credited for saving the State of Texas millions. This “through-arch” bridge was completed and dedicated in 1982. This $10 million dollar bridge was only the second bridge of its design in the world at the time. It spans 1,150 feet and us 100 feet above the Lake Austin. The bridge is constructed such that no part of the structure touches the water which keeps Lake Austin’s boats and water skiers free from any support columns. The steel bridge has a uniform weathered rust finish (thanks to its steel structures being sandblasted) allowing the bridge to blend in with the surrounding hills and lake. It has four lanes, two in each direction, separated by a middle barrier wall. The bridge also has a 6-foot-wide bike and pedestrian lane, which is lined with pedestrians each July 4th to catch a spectacular view of the fireworks over the lake.