Rehabilitation of the Beveridge Suspension Bridge

In April 2002, the Commissioners of San Saba County, Texas closed the John H. Beveridge Bridge over the San Saba River on China Creek Road after 106 years of vehicular service. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) began construction of a new replacement bridge on a bypass alignment. The old bridge had been the last bridge remaining in service of dozens of wire cable bridges built in Texas by William Flinn between 1885 and 1904. Little was known about the builder before research conducted by the Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) during 1996 and 2000 uncovered documents and photos that illuminate the impressive scope and influence of his career. As mitigation for taking the bridge out of vehicular service, TxDOT agreed to restore the Beveridge Bridge on location as a heritage tourism site with pedestrian only access. Funding for the restoration was provided through a special nomination under the Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program. Under the program, construction was funded 80% federal funds and 20% state funds with the County of San Saba retaining ownership of the restored structure. TxDOT prepared rehabilitation plans, and managed construction. This paper explains the historic context of the bridge and describes the rehabilitation.