Open Spandrel Arches over the Medina River
The Pleasanton Road Bridge is an example of a monumental, Neoclassical structure. Built in 1910, this open spandrel, concrete arch towers over the Medina River, with columns and arches reminiscent of Ancient Greek architecture. Open spandrel arch bridges found great popularity within the country prior to the onset of World War II, providing architects and engineers with plenty of embellishment opportunity. Experimentation with efficient use of materials also led designers to find ways of joining concrete and steel in thin and graceful structures.
Engineer Terrell Bartlett completed the Pleasanton Road Bridge, or Medina River Bridge, in 1910. This is one of the earliest examples of an open spandrel concrete arch bridge in Texas.
