|
|
|
|
Regency & Beveridge Bridges: Two miles
northwest of San Saba on China Creek Road (1/2 mile north of the wedding oak) the San Saba River is spanned by the Swinging
Bridge or "Beveridge Bridge" as it is known locally. This is one of the few remaining swinging bridges in
Texas. It is one lane with a timber floor.
This area's first Colorado River Bridge was at Regency on the San
Saba County Line. Built in 1903 the Regency Suspension Bridge served local farmers and rancher when going to market, but fell
in 1924. Its successor was demolished by a 1936 flood. With 90 percent of the work completed by hand; the Regency
suspension bridge was re-erected in 1939. Bypassed by paved farm roads, it now survives as one of the last suspension
bridges in Texas and is a popular tourist stop.
 The Beveridge Bridge proudly bears its makers plaque atop the crossbeam: "Built
by the Flinn, Moyer Bridge Co.,Weatherford Tex 1896". Crossing the San Saba River just north of the city of San Saba,
this single lane, parallel wire suspension bridge is 140' long with a wood deck supported by three-pole pylons, iron pipes,
rods and castings. Although it had been rebuilt at least three times over the last century, it was closed to vehicle traffic
in 2004 and a new concrete bridge was built beside it. The nearby Regency Bridge is now the only suspension bridge in Texas
still open to vehicle traffic. The Colorado River Bridge at Regency
Regency's 1939 bridge is one of
eight remaining suspension bridges in Texas and has been used in commercials and as a backdrop for television programs. It
was rededicated March 1, 1999.
The original 1903 bridge fell in 1924 and its replacement was swept away in a flood in
1938. Construction of the bridge was from April to October of 1939.
Mills and San Saba Countys both paid for construction
of the bridge which was built with local labor under supervision of the Austin Bridge Company of Dallas. During WWII, the
bridge was visited by troops stationed at nearby Camp Brady and locals used the bridge as a meeting place and held dances
there.
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
