![]() |
Aerial photo This aerial photo was taken by Dave Diederich. He explains, "For this photograph, I used a Suttom Flow Form 16 kite. I use a digital camera, mounted in a aluminum rig that can be controlled remotely from the ground. The rig is suspended from the kite string approximately 100 feet below the kite." |
![]() |
East portal |
![]() |
East end |
![]() |
Simple Warren trusses on east end |
![]() |
Cantilevered span portal |
![]() |
Looking west over water |
![]() |
Looking east of water |
![]() |
Rainbow among the girders |
![]() |
West portal This photo taken by David Backlin |
![]() |
Approaching the bend from the west |
![]() |
Bulge in the deck |
![]() |
Joint at the bend |
![]() |
Joints sitting on pier |
![]() |
Joint along truss over land |
![]() |
Lower chord over water |
![]() |
East abutment |
![]() |
Looking overhead |
![]() |
Looking up a girder |
![]() |
Six-way joint along truss |
![]() |
Joint at a portal |
![]() |
Streelight and electrical wiring |
![]() |
Old sign board |
![]() |
Counter-bracing at mid-span |
![]() |
Close-up of deck surface |
![]() |
Expansion joint between spans |
![]() |
Underneath the east end |
![]() |
Route 66 memorabilia near west end |
![]() |
State line markers |
![]() |
Painted marker, Illinois These photos from David Backlin show a replica of the US 66 shield painted on the pavement on each side of the state line |
![]() |
Painted marker, Missouri |
We stopped by to see this beautiful bridge on our way home (Indiana) from Las Vegas, via route 66. A wonderfully built structure and worth seeing, but very remote and needs to have security due to the numerous vehicle break-ins and vandalism there. Was a little scary for my sister, 80 year old mother and brother to be there and not another sole or any protection around. We had just read about the 1991 murders before we arrived and since we were there 3 days after the 17th anniversary of these poor young women losing their lives, it was needless to say a bit sad. Would love to see Illinois and Missouri work together to preserve this bridge AND provide security, even if a small fee was required to walk across it. A memorial plaque should also be put into place for these 2 women, one of which has never been found.
I visited this bridge memorial day weekend 2005 and it was
great.My friend and I stayed at the Best Western Motel
next to the Hen House restaurant.The night before visiting
the bridge we visited the Lune Cafe I had a couple of Budweisers and my friend had a long island ice tea which
disagreed with him the next morning.It was a trip I will
never forget.
Outstanding photos, especially the aerial shot taken from the kite.
I had traveled the entire Route 66 except for walking the bridge because it was closed at the time. I came back to complete it with my family and we really enjoyed our time on the bridge. Unfortunately, when we returned to our car, it had been broken into and our purses stolen out of the trunk. The sign states "lock your valuables in your trunk". What it doesn't say is that someone is watching you. I wish Trailnet would hire someone to catch the people responsible. I know it would cost a lot, but right now they are stealing thousands from tourists and credit card companies daily!
Grew up minutes away from here, I use to walk this bridge lots, isn't that what that hole in the fence was for. Once a RiverRat always a RiverRat. Moved to Barnhart Mo. but still only a couple minutes from my river. Thanks for the memories.
Growing up on Chouteau Island in the early 60's, I remember this being a toll bridge. Walking across the bridge was like a stroll down memory lane.....
This bridge is featured in the 1981 movie "Escape From New York" as the "69th Street Bridge" and was also the site of a 1991 rape and murder of two sisters.