Paddock Viaduct
historic place
The Paddock Viaduct is a historic place in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. For many years, crossing the Trinity River here involved low-water crossings and ferries. By the 1890s, a two-lane suspension bridge was built, but it became inadequate for Fort Worth's expanding population. Construction on the Paddock Viaduct began around 1912 or 1913, and it was completed in 1914. The St. Louis firm of Brenneke and Fay designed this structure. It was recognized as the first reinforced concrete arch in the nation to use self-supporting, reinforcing steel. The viaduct is named in honor of B.B. Paddock, a former state legislator and mayor of Fort Worth. The Paddock Viaduct received an official Texas Historical Commission marker in 1980. This bridge was a significant engineering feat for its time, improving transportation and connecting Fort Worth's downtown with its northern areas.