Millions of bats a breathtaking sight. That’s the Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge for you. This isn’t just any bridge. It’s a concrete arch bridge spanning Lady Bird Lake. But it’s far more than a simple connector between downtown Austin and South Congress Avenue.
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge has a rich history. It started life as a pontoon toll bridge in 1869 or 1871. Then came a wooden toll bridge in 1875. An iron bridge replaced it in 1884. Finally the concrete arch bridge we see today opened in 1910. This was a significant upgrade costing $208950.10. The old iron bridge parts even found new life in other crossings.
The bridge’s fame isn’t solely due to its construction history. It’s home to the world’s largest urban bat colony. These are Mexican free-tailed bats. They live under the bridge’s road deck. They’re migratory. They spend summers in Austin winters in Mexico. Millions of bats call this bridge home each summer.
This bat colony wasn’t always appreciated. In the 1980s the colony was nearly eradicated. But Merlin Tuttle founder of Bat Conservation International changed public opinion. His efforts saved the bats turning the bridge into a major tourist attraction. Now over 100000 tourists annually come to see the nightly bat spectacle. The bats’ economic impact on Austin is estimated at over $7.9 million a year.
The Ann W. Richards Congress Avenue Bridge. It is more than just a bridge. It is a monument to engineering history. It’s a symbol of nature’s tenacity. It’s a testament to the power of conservation. It is a place where history nature and tourism converge. Enjoy the view. And maybe try to spot a bat or two.