This spandrel braced (cantilever) arch bridge in West Texas is on Highway 90, which traces the route of the historic Old Spanish Trail and is located a short distance upstream from where the intersection of the Pecos River meets the Rio Grande, a place made famous by the infamous Judge Roy Bean, "The only law west of the Pecos."
A Texas Historical Marker on the east side of the bridge provides the following information: High canyon walls dominate the last 60 miles of the Pecos River before it enters the Rio Grande. The Southern Pacific Railroad built the first highway bridge to span the river was built one mile down river from here in 1923. Just 50 feet above water, the 1923 bridge was destroyed by floodwaters in 1954. Two temporary low water bridges built nearby in 1954 and 1955 also were destroyed by floodwaters. A new 1,310-feet long bridge was completed here in 1957. At 273-feet above the river it is the highest highway bridge in Texas.
2008 and 2009 will find something new for the 50 year old span, a complete rehabilitation at a cost of $4.2 million. The work will involve removing the walkways and increasing the traffic lanes by four feet. That will mean increased safety for drivers using the bridge, but at the expense of being able to walk out on it. No longer will the No Diving and No Fishing signs be needed.
View of the complete span taken from down on the old roadbed on the west side of the span.
Prior to this bridge being built in 1957, the road leading down to where the 1923 bridge spanned the river ran right under the west side. The new bridge was built right over this old road and a picnic area. The view looking south down the old roadbed under the new bridge. It must have been some sight to have traveled on this road while the new bridge was being constructed.
Current roadway looking west to east.
