Cow Bayou Swing Bridge
historic place
The Cow Bayou Swing Bridge in Bridge City, Texas, was completed in 1940. This center-bearing swing bridge is one of few such highway bridges remaining in Texas. It was the final major component built for Texas Highway 87, connecting Orange to Brownsville, and linked the economic centers of Orange and Port Arthur. The bridge's central section pivots on a concrete pier, powered by an electric motor, allowing passage for both road and water traffic. Its completion led to the consolidation of local school districts. The name Bridge City was suggested for the new district because of this bridge and the nearby Rainbow Bridge; the community incorporated in 1970. In 2007, citizen advocacy resulted in the bridge's repair and preservation by the Texas Department of Transportation, instead of replacement. A historical marker was erected in 2010. This bridge is historically important for its role in regional transportation and the development of Bridge City.