I haven't been on that bridge since August of 1980 when they were filming Escape From New York on the bridge on the St. Louis side. I was 9 years old and my older brother was working security on the movie set. The mosquito's were huge and viscous. LOL.
I once crossed over this bridge accidentally in a minivan in the dead of night. Holy crap, what an experience. It was unlit and freaky, and I was panicking even BEFORE hitting that bend! Those noises I'm hearing from your crossing are eerily familiar! I'm not sure if google maps told me to do this or not, but we were not familiar with St Louis and we were damned tired from travelling that it simply didn't compute. Except for the yellow pillars, there was nothing stopping us. Never doing that again! Completely Fd up!
@@stevejohnson174 Well... The Missouri side has giant concrete barricades which have been in place for a couple decades, plus in 2008 and for sometime after you would have needed to dodge lots of static displays on the bridge deck, like benches, an old fire truck, kiosks, etc.
@@HookedOnRoute66 I don't know what to tell ya., but it happened. Obviously they do let some people pass over and remove all that stuff. I musta caught it at the right time
Thank you for posting your rare drive across the Chain of Rocks Bridge. It was on my agenda to see when I was in that area last summer. Through your video, you've given me the opportunity that I didn't have. Thank you.
driving along this bridge and having a big truck coming the other way must have been horrible that bridge is really narrow. but still a very nice looking bridge and glad they kept it as part of history
I remember first seeing the bridge in '76 crossing over the 270 when my grandfather was telling us about the water intake towers and Bald Eagles flying north to the Dakotasin the summer. I always wanted to go there, but he said it was closed. Over the years, I always had an eerie feeling about it. While still a grad student (University of Alabama) back in 1993 I visited my grandparents over Spring Break and took a chance and went to this bridge (alone). I remember passing two cars on the going the other way on Route 3, but I didn't pay it any mind. I got there and saw how overgrown everything was and there was a lock on the gate (Illinois side anyway). I took my camera to photograph those intake towers. I locked my doors and headed for the gates; I managed to squeeze through (no small feat) and started to walk along the bridge. I had the most awkward and eerie feeling walking along this bridge . I was experiencing something like narrow vision or vertigo. I noticed two huge eagles flying overhead and thought "at this time of the year, in March "(odd). But they landed on the bridge rails and I was shocked. I guess I never really knew how big a Bald Eagle could be. they were huge. One took off from the railing and landed behind me and the other was forward of me when he jumped down. It was a loud thud sound made by both on this steel bridge. They started moving towards me and at first I wasn't afraid. I just started taking pictures of those towers, until they started screeching. The sound was unsettling, So I started to move away across the other side of the bridge and heading back to me car. I started walking and I could hear their talons on the steel bridge and I sped up until I was running. These birds were chasing me off the bridge. Well, I managed to squeeze through the gates again and made it to my car. As I was leaving out towards Route 3, I saw those same two cars from earlier (an old 1970s green Deuce and a Quarter and old red Roadmaster), they turned around and followed me. My car was too fast for them and I lost them with speed. Well when I got back to my grandparents, KDSK was showing these two car loads of thugs being arrested by Madison Police or Illinois State Police with a carload of firearms. It seemed they had been robbing people who ventured out to this bridge. when I told my grandmother about this. She told me the eagles were the sisters warning me off the bridge saving my life. I had no idea what she was talking about. Then until a few years later I saw this documentary on A & E about two sisters raped and thrown off the bridge by four suspects in 1991. Then I learned the whole story about the Chain of Rocks Bridge murders. I still want to see what's in those towers, but now I have seen pictures and that mystery is over. Until this day, I have not ventured anywhere near that bridge.
Just re-enforces that Sixth Sense warning we sometimes get- and if lucky enuff to live thru -- become a life lesson.... "If it just doesn't feel right--- Run Away !"....lol
I drove it once in the 1960s, myself and a buddy, never will i forget how narrow it was and of course the bend in bridge. John and I never went back and went home a different way. My trip was at night and you can have that bridge Rich! Good post, Thanks!
It is ridiculously narrow. I have a CDL and could only imagine taking a large heavy truck up on the bridge, even if it were period specific. At least it's still there to experience. :)
I drove over it once, shortly after getting my drivers license in Dec. 1968. It was closed just a few weeks thereafter. Had ridden over it many times; what memories it brings back. Looking forward to walking it [again] in May, this time with my daughter.
You were lucky to drive it during it's use! It's a great walk, but be sure to park on the Illinois side, NOT the Missouri side. Your vehicle is not safe left unattended on the Missouri side.
Thanks. I had heard the same thing. I've parked on the IL side the two prior times I walked it. Your videos are fabulous. I'm a Route 66 junkie; was raised 3 blocks off the 1926 alignment in Virden, IL.
When I last rode my bike over the bridge, the parking lot at the end of the bridge on the Missouri side was closed. The nearest available lot was in North Riverfront Park, which is close to a mile away, but cars are safer left there.
I've always wanted to drive across this bridge; my grandpa used to tell me stories about having to cross it at the hair-pin turn as he called it, with oncoming traffic. Sounded scary, but I've wanted to see it for myself in a car. Thanks for posting this!
I drove that bridge a few times back in High School...it was a scary SOB! Then in 1971, after it was "officially closed" (but you could still get up on it) my band "We The People" did a photo shoot on the bridge. I just checked all those shots for a speed limit sign, but couldn't find one.
I went across it in My 71 Galaxie 500 XL Sport fast back @ 138mph from the bend to the Illinois apron aproach the went through to the canal bridge .There were no gates just closed bridge signs then .The cops got called and I left and got out of the area. The stripes were still visible then.
Great video ! I grew up in nearby Spanish Lake and have many memories of the bridge when it was open. There was a gas station on the Missouri side right as you got onto Riverview. There were three other bridges in the immediate area that were similar. The first was the Lewis bridge from St. Louis Co. to St. Charles county at west Alton. From there the Clark bridge went to Alton Il. They were all the same age and design. The other was the Rock Road bridge in St. Charles Mo. It also had a strange bend in the middle. They are all gone now and the Chain of Rocks is the last one left.
You are correct. I could see the old 115 bridge at St. Charles from my bedroom window as a child. I went across it many times and saw many a mirrors on trucks get knocked off. Another interesting fact about the 115 bridge is that it had a pedestrian walkway on the outer southern span. Thanks for watching and sharing. I hope you like my other videos too! Here are a couple other bridges: MacArthur ua-cam.com/video/E7ONKuWEJtE/v-deo.html Stan Musial ua-cam.com/video/Mku1OxbGjhs/v-deo.html
Richard Dinkela I do remember the walkway on the side of the 115 bridge. Many times riding a bicycle to St. Charles I would have to walk it across. It was real handy because riding on the bridge roadway was suicide. Do you remember the series of decks and steps that led down to Main St. and how vandals would spray paint the side of the building next to it ?
Yeah, I walked it. I remember the alleyway where the concrete wall of graffiti was at too. Once in a while the city would paint over it giving the local vandals a fresh canvas. Now its a through street next to the court house. Its a shame.
I once popped a tire on the edge of the roadway on the St. Charles Rock Road bridge when an oncoming truck was on or just over the center line. The metal on the side was very jagged so I'm guessing my tire/wheel was far from the first to hit it. I never took driver-ed in school but the drivers-ed class at the high school I went to made all the students drive over it before passing the class, I'd hate to be that teacher :-( Soon after graduating it was closed then demolished.
Remember, this used to be a 2-WAY road, and when two large trucks passed each other, sometimes their mirrors would smash into each other, the road was that narrow, that is why the bridge was closed to traffic in the first place. The only way that traffic could be used on that bridge again would be to make it a one-lane traffic bridge, with stop-lights at either end that allowed only one-way flow of traffic at a time, then alternate that traffic every 10 minutes. Plus there would have to be weigh scales at either end, and anything overweight would trigger the traffic lights to trip to red until the overweight vehicle was removed from the scales.
What would make this even more impressive, on coming traffic. It would give you a real sense how narrow this bridge was. Pulling up to the trailer helps give you a sense of it. The bridge looks to be in pretty good shape compared to when I was last on it a decade ago.
My Dad used to drive a truck over this bridge back in the 60's and said that it was so narrow that the rear duels of the trailer would rub the curb after making the curve... It sounds as if the joints in the bridge are in VERY bad shape....I held my breath the entire video hoping it wouldn't collapse!!! Thanks for sharing, I subbed and love your videos!
Thanks Daniel. I can guarantee your father was not exaggerating. The bend is slightly wider, but even with going into oncoming traffic I could see tires rubbing the curbs for sure. Great story. - Thanks for sharing!
When I was growing up in the area, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was the alternate route to St Louis when it was not possible to use the Lewis and Clark Bridges. This was a scary drive back then since as you can see it is quite narrow and was heavily used by tractor-trailer trucks. With the sharp curve at the western end and if it were slick you would be very happy to get to the other end.
Hey Roamin' Rich i hate to bring this up but i saw on a episode of justice files 2 young woman was thrown to their deaths off this bridge. I live in California and i remembered the name of this bridge and decided to look it up and found you. I really do have a deep sincere love of bridges, lighthouses and turn of the 19th and 20th century structures. You do great work bringing this to all. Thank you.
When was the last time a "Drive over" was allowed? I've heard the Rt 66 Association's have organised this in the past. I would love a chance to have a drive over it again. The last time was with my Grandpa back in the '60's!
+Mark Roberts I've been receiving conflicting stories on whether or not they still permit driving over the bridge or not. Other than that I do know of a couple cases as late as 2015 when people have crossed over the bridge in vehicles
I just talked to a guy on one of the RT 66 sites on FB that posted a pic of his GTO group going over in Sept 2016. I guess it CAN be done, it's just getting the timing right. I'm going to start calling to see if I can find an opportunity to cross.
Mark, the Route 66 Association of Illinois crosses the bridge annually on their motor tour. Contact the association president Cathie Stevanovich at cathiesb@earthlink.net or phone the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac at 815-844-4566 - they'd be able to sign you up.........
I would love to get a video together recreating a traffic scenario. Unfortunately there are some static decorations on the bridge that would prohibit that type of scenario without a lot of effort. Yes the bridge is open to foot and bike traffic as part of the Trailnet path network.
Awesome Drive !... thanks for placing it here.... :) Years ago, back before it was turned into a park, I walked across it... I always had a fear of high, narrow, long, creepy old girder bridges, but I was determined to walk this one. For years driving cross country I had seen it from the newer I-70 bridge that it paralell'd... and I had guess it was then consider'd "abandon'd "... So, ---once I stopped to explore....from the Illinois side the road (US66) approaching it crossed over a bridge spanning the canal, still used at the time by trucks going to the garbage dump island.. and then plunging into an overgrown jungle... the pavement was horrible, with potholes everywhere... I had passed several collapsing remains of a gas station and a couple motels earlier... when I approached what was the start to the actual bridge, it's enterance was block with a primitive fence... I had to climb thru brush, the poison ivy and briars- to reach the bridge... There were no nice guardrails, the pavement had large cracks that you could see thru to the water below... and worst of all to my lasting memory- the missing manhole covers ! Gives me a chill even now to think of that.....but I made it across from the Illinois side, turned about and walked back ......And ever since then, though old bridges still give me a knot in my stomach, I don't fear them like I originally did-- it was the greatest therapy !.... A few years later I learned about the gristly murder of those two sisters- and I realize now what a risk I might have taken doing that walk... but I went in the daytime and there was no one around... and I knew enuff to stay clear of anyone..................... all the same....... Today in the my many road trips across the US the Chain-of-Rocks Bridge is a favorite place to stop and take a break. I can now walk its length in (relative) peace- only a tiny knot in my stomach... :) Approaching that bend I can only imagine what it must have been like to see an oncoming truck and trying to guage the clearance-- those old railings- which I still recall with nightmarish clarity, -would have been scant safety assurance. Just approaching the curve is enuff- it looks and feels (to me anyway) that the bridge is ending and I will drop you off into the river below. Turning it into a linear park was one of the best ideas... I have been warned numerous times, however, that you must be very careful to secure your vehicle on the Missouri side- thefts etc. are all to common at that end (I always stop on the Illinois shore.) Again, a really big 'Thank You !"
If you have photos I would love to see them. I too have a similar fear of bridges but my curiosity overruled. Stay away from the Missouri side when parking. Only park on the Illinois side.
Photo's?... sorry, but in those days of 35mm slides I'd left my camera back in the car... but it would not have been much used to me, as I was too terrified of that bridge then to think clearly enuff to do any photographing.... :) It was , to put it plainly- very Verrrry Creepy ..... The narrow-ness of it's roadbed impressed me most- but so did the long approach- it seem'd quite away's out (or to me then) before the bridge actually went out over the river. Those missing manhole covers were like living, open death traps of swirling waters below-- awaiting my inattention... not to mention missing sections of that thin, flimsy stuff that passed for a guard rail... in places you could actually walk right off the side of the bridge. The approach was covered in vines, graffiti.. I knew- I Felt !- I was not supposed to be there. I had my pistol in my purse- but it was of little comfort. I bested the fear in my stomach and made it passed that 22 degree turn-- but as someone who really feared bridges, approaching that bend took all my intestinal fortitude... it really appear'd that is where it all will end, and I would plunge into the river...though I knew different. Today I can walk that bridge like any tourist, though in the back of my mind, as I do ---runs that file of that first trip; the one where I kept a keen eye out for those missing manhole covers.....:)
Back in the mid 1980s I and A friend flew across the Chain of Rocks and Canal bridges in a 1971 Ford Galaxy' 500 XL Sport . 429 Cobra Jet engine .Not the cars original engine by the way. Wasn't much of a barrier to stop you from driving across it then. It was just another old set of abandoned hiway bridges . whent across the Chain Of Rocks bridge at 120mph and 135 lmph across the Canal Bridge. . Saw cop lights over on the I-270 bridge so I bid a hasty retreat through East St. Louis and come around the south on I-255. Beat feet out the St. Louis area Back Home to Highlandville Mo.. He and I and a couple of women friends had been at Six Flags at Eureka Mo. And decided to drive around looking for something crazy to do. Never got caught and it was a blast . I cased out the area before doing it.and knew the city quite well. Got thru Pontoon Beach. And split..
@@HookedOnRoute66 Hahaha!! No Doubt !! It was a blast. I got married in 1990 and the car got sold and Bought (shudder) a new Dodge Grand Caravan because I and the Wife were in family way..Who by the way was the women setting beside me when that run took place.. Ah to be young again..I have been on some of the stretches of Route 66 in a tractor trailer and I and the wife when the kids got grown drove our 1953 Chrysler Saratoga down the old road.. It has a more modernized drivetrain so the trip went without a problem.. Power steering,power disc brakes ,air conditioning and cruise control.Looks original on the outside and has the original Firedome 330 Hemi engine.. But has all the comforts and a Automatic transmission. The big truck was my 86 Marmon Cab Over. If what I was Hauling made the truck weigh less than 70,000 lbs. I would sneek over onto the old road and get away from the noise and hassle of the interstate.The US 66 road bed weight limit was rated for 73,500lbs in its day for Semi truck use.If I had plenty of time I would disappear and relax and run the old road. I have used the old truck routes thru towns for old 66. I have old maps and written directions for the old truck bypass routes. Done before GPS. Low clearance locations listed so I wouldn't stumble across low bridge lications. Most of the bridges had a 13 6 or more overhead clearance. Some of the bridges are underweight rated to enforce laws. But I got a hold bridge weight standards listings . 4ton weight rating on the routes bridges on the route are there to keep trucks from using them. But having hauled heavy eqquipment in some of these areas a underated bridge could be permiied to haul a heavy load across. Havent fallen thru a bridge deck yet. But you have to know the weight and width limits like the back of your hand and laws governing them. Really blows a lical cops mind when you throw the states legal limitations in writing in front of them. I love the videos on the old road. Brings back good memories of my travels.
Hey Rich, I'm planning my own trip along Rte 66 right now, so all ur videos are so great to see and they're definitely helping me plan where to go. Really love this one coz I was only researching the history of the Chain Of Rocks bridge just yesterday! Love the music in the background of this one too - what's the song called?
The Chain of rocks and other Route 66 bridges in St. Louis are a must see. Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring this beauty as you must access it by foot or bicycle. Be sure to park ONLY on the Illinois side. It is the more secure of the two. If you visit the other bridges you want to stick mostly to the Missouri side though. There are a ton of break ins on tourist's cars that happen at the chain of rocks in MO. As far as the music goes.... I'm not sure. It was a free background ad in on my video editor. I hope you get out there soon and enjoy!
Cool video, I'd love to drive across that bridge. About 8 years or so ago I walked part way across. I didn't go all the way for a couple of reasons, one was it was so windy I was worried about my glasses blowing off. The other is I'd parked on the St. Louis side and was worried about my car. It turned out to be OK but I've heard some bad stories about that side.
I found out, fortunately not the hard way. How safe is the Illinois side? I'd really like to walk across the bridge on my Route 66 trip in April but I'm not willing to leave my car someplace where it won't be safe.
The Illinois side is 'safe'-- as safe as any place like this can be-- but seriously, I have met many families on picnics there, hikers, bikers.. kids and people walking dogs- I THINK the police have something like a presence ... just be aware of the surroundings, time of day- 'carry' if you can... etc.... there are (maybe) some active security cameras-- look at them, Guys, and tell me they are for real...lol... When there is there is plenty of foot traffic you should be safe- but for your vehicle's sake. park on Illinois side !
I live in near by Belleville, IL. Id like to rude across with some cycling buddies if its always open to pedestrian traffic. Ill have to plan a cool riding route, maybe cross this bridge, and maybe find a way to Ross back over the river on the Eads, or another bridge.
It only closes at night. Otherwise it's part of a huge network of bicycle paths in the metro area. Just look up trailnet and GRG greenway. You'll have a great time. You can easily come back across on the Eads or the McKinley.
You mentioned that the east side was in Mitchell Illinois. That's actually Madison city. And the policeman that stopped you was a Madison city officer.
Good evening. I thoroughly enjoyed your video and I plan to visit it next month. I heard that there was a problem with vandalism in the parking lot. Should I be concerned about that?
The only bridges I know that have been destroyed are the 115 bridge going into St. Charles over the Missouri river and recently the Boone bridge over the Missouri river going into St. Charles from Chesterfield.
Now that I look at it, I think the bridge that was destroyed was over the Chain of Rocks Canal, not the Mississippi itself. But it appears the Chain of Rocks bridge won't be accessible from the Illinois side anymore.
Don't assume. You could mislead people to think your assumption is fact. The chain of rocks canal bridge is still standing too. The bridges you are talking about were serving interstate 270. They were replaced within the last 12 months.
+bradye21 plays Indie Horror The railing was added when the bridge was opened to pedestrians. There was no railing when it was used for vehicular traffic.
Semis crossed... but they weren't the same sized as they are today. They went around that bend slowly, or they stopped until oncoming traffic was clear.
I think the bridge opened in 1929. It was closed in 1968 in favor of the new I-270 bridge. As I recall the bridge was built with private funding with a toll plaza on the MO. side. The original plans called for the bridge to be a straight shot across the river but there was some bureaucratic nonsense that caused the “kinks” in the construction. I crossed this bridge many times in the 50’s and 60’s with my family on trips to visit an army buddy who had served with my father in WW 2. Remember that cars in the late 20’s and early 30’s were much narrower than later cars. That is why the roadway is so narrow. My father said that approaching the tight kink towing a trailer with a truck coming the other way was as close to a tight squeeze as he ever wanted to be in. I last drove across this bridge in August 1966 in a 1931 Model A Ford. On a return trip 2 weeks later the new I-270 bridge was open to traffic and I saw very few cars on the old bridge. As an aside, the old Chain of Rocks Canal bridge is still in use the last time I went to St. Louis. I traveled old 66 many times and always enjoyed the trip.
Great video !! I have shared it with a couple of friends. Do you know the reason why there is a curve in the bridge ? I'm surprised they didn't continue straight on.
They curved it in order to satisfy the Corp of engineers. At that time ships were still using the channel and it was necessary to curve the bridge in order to provide ships adequate access. That's what I've been told at least.
Roamin' Rich -While your reply is correct, you might like to know one other reason. If they had made it straight, it would have put the section of bridge over the river where bedrock was insufficient to support the weight of the piers. Also, going straight would take the bridge too close to 2 water intake towers. Would be diffcult to navigate around the bridge and towers. Either way, it had to have a bend. I don't know the purpose of the water intake towers, unless they were generating electricity on shore.NOTE: Just read reason for intake towers, they pumped water to shore to be used for their water supply.
why? they were part of the tour group that allowed him the opportunity of driving across a normally closed to car traffic bridge. I wouldnt have wanted to rush anyway...what a great chance to do this...why hurry?
Maria, reason for the curve, if the bridge went straight, it would come out on a section of the rock bed that was not able to support the bridge. Also, it would have come too close to two water intake towers that supplied water to the city. Also, it would have interferred with the shipping lanes, so the bend was necessary. The watet intake towers are interesting, they are 3 stories high. Per Google.
In the fall of '59, driving from Ca. to Ohio, I crossed this bridge. I just entered onto it when I had to stop. The traffic in my lane was backed up. I saw a tractor/trailer in the other lane, (heading west) sitting still. No one was moving. A motorcycle cop appeared to survey the problem. He decided the truck would not move until the east bound traffic got by, then he could use both sides of the road. When I got to the truck, I wasn't able to get thru. I was over to my right as far as I could go. The cop had the truck back up 'till I heard the trailer scraping the bridge. Then the cop stood in front of me so he could see both sides of my car, and worked me thru. I believe I had about 3 inch clearance on each side. My car was a '58 Pontiac Star Chief, a big car. I vowed to never get on that bridge again.
Roamin' Rich -I tweeted you about my experience 1 year ago , when in fall of 1959, I crossed this bridge. I am reading now about missing man hole covers. My question is, why are there manhole covers, is there a sewer line crossing that bridge. Why can't they replace the covers with locks? I look at the bridge now and wonder why they would ever build a bridge that narrow. That is quite a structure to abandon.
Mighty narrow for modern transportation. Hell, mighty narrow for 70 year old transportation. What were the Dept. Of Transportation "officials" thinking? Answer: They WEREN'T!!
Still a mystery to me why they spent all that money to build that bridge, and is not wide enough for two cars. I look at it now, and it really is just one lane by today's standards. Also, what was the purpose for the bend? I heard years ago but have forgotten.
@@kbruceward9706 -A short rundown on why there was a curve in the bridge. If it went straight, one end of the bridge would come out on a section of the river where the bedrock was insufficient to support the weight of the bridge, also, would have brought the bridge too close to two water intake towers that supplied water to the city. (Intake towers are interesting. Read up on them. They are 3 floors high) Shipping would be hard to navigate around the bridge and the towers, either way, it had to bend. The Army Corp Of Engineers had to make sure the shipping lanes were clear for the ships. I too was curious about the bend, so I went to Google and got this information. Also, I have a comment on here from 6 months ago about my experience on this bridge in 1958. It is the longest comment on here, so perhaps you can find it. It is quite interesting, about my struggle to get my car across that bridge.
@@HookedOnRoute66 Oh that is funny (odd funny) you would think that the locals officers would know when there are special groups that are allowed to cross . Especially since there where a bunch of cars in front of you. Guess he missed the memo....LOL I thought he was an escort since they have to get permission to do that.
The old Alton Bridge was just as scary crossing especially when encountering an oncoming semi
I haven't been on that bridge since August of 1980 when they were filming Escape From New York on the bridge on the St. Louis side. I was 9 years old and my older brother was working security on the movie set. The mosquito's were huge and viscous. LOL.
I once crossed over this bridge accidentally in a minivan in the dead of night. Holy crap, what an experience. It was unlit and freaky, and I was panicking even BEFORE hitting that bend! Those noises I'm hearing from your crossing are eerily familiar! I'm not sure if google maps told me to do this or not, but we were not familiar with St Louis and we were damned tired from travelling that it simply didn't compute. Except for the yellow pillars, there was nothing stopping us. Never doing that again! Completely Fd up!
Not possible. Was closed in 1968 long before Lee Iococca dreamed up a minivan and anyone knew what a Google was.
@@HookedOnRoute66 oh, it was closed! This was approximately 2008? 2009? There was just nothing blocking traffic from passing
@@stevejohnson174 Well... The Missouri side has giant concrete barricades which have been in place for a couple decades, plus in 2008 and for sometime after you would have needed to dodge lots of static displays on the bridge deck, like benches, an old fire truck, kiosks, etc.
@@HookedOnRoute66 I don't know what to tell ya., but it happened. Obviously they do let some people pass over and remove all that stuff. I musta caught it at the right time
Thank you for posting your rare drive across the Chain of Rocks Bridge. It was on my agenda to see when I was in that area last summer. Through your video, you've given me the opportunity that I didn't have. Thank you.
Amazing to think that the east-west traffic of the nation had to pass through that dogleg on the bridge. Crazy.
Even spookier in person!
driving along this bridge and having a big truck coming the other way must have been horrible that bridge is really narrow. but still a very nice looking bridge and glad they kept it as part of history
I remember first seeing the bridge in '76 crossing over the 270 when my grandfather was telling us about the water intake towers and Bald Eagles flying north to the Dakotasin the summer. I always wanted to go there, but he said it was closed. Over the years, I always had an eerie feeling about it.
While still a grad student (University of Alabama) back in 1993 I visited my grandparents over Spring Break and took a chance and went to this bridge (alone). I remember passing two cars on the going the other way on Route 3, but I didn't pay it any mind.
I got there and saw how overgrown everything was and there was a lock on the gate (Illinois side anyway). I took my camera to photograph those intake towers. I locked my doors and headed for the gates; I managed to squeeze through (no small feat) and started to walk along the bridge. I had the most awkward and eerie feeling walking along this bridge . I was experiencing something like narrow vision or vertigo.
I noticed two huge eagles flying overhead and thought "at this time of the year, in March "(odd). But they landed on the bridge rails and I was shocked. I guess I never really knew how big a Bald Eagle could be. they were huge. One took off from the railing and landed behind me and the other was forward of me when he jumped down. It was a loud thud sound made by both on this steel bridge. They started moving towards me and at first I wasn't afraid.
I just started taking pictures of those towers, until they started screeching. The sound was unsettling, So I started to move away across the other side of the bridge and heading back to me car. I started walking and I could hear their talons on the steel bridge and I sped up until I was running. These birds were chasing me off the bridge. Well, I managed to squeeze through the gates again and made it to my car. As I was leaving out towards Route 3, I saw those same two cars from earlier (an old 1970s green Deuce and a Quarter and old red Roadmaster), they turned around and followed me. My car was too fast for them and I lost them with speed.
Well when I got back to my grandparents, KDSK was showing these two car loads of thugs being arrested by Madison Police or Illinois State Police with a carload of firearms. It seemed they had been robbing people who ventured out to this bridge. when I told my grandmother about this. She told me the eagles were the sisters warning me off the bridge saving my life. I had no idea what she was talking about. Then until a few years later I saw this documentary on A & E about two sisters raped and thrown off the bridge by four suspects in 1991. Then I learned the whole story about the Chain of Rocks Bridge murders.
I still want to see what's in those towers, but now I have seen pictures and that mystery is over.
Until this day, I have not ventured anywhere near that bridge.
Just re-enforces that Sixth Sense warning we sometimes get- and if lucky enuff to live thru -- become a life lesson....
"If it just doesn't feel right--- Run Away !"....lol
I drove it once in the 1960s, myself and a buddy, never will i forget how narrow it was and of course the bend in bridge. John and I never went back and went home a different way. My trip was at night and you can have that bridge Rich! Good post, Thanks!
It is ridiculously narrow. I have a CDL and could only imagine taking a large heavy truck up on the bridge, even if it were period specific. At least it's still there to experience. :)
I drove over it once, shortly after getting my drivers license in Dec. 1968. It was closed just a few weeks thereafter. Had ridden over it many times; what memories it brings back. Looking forward to walking it [again] in May, this time with my daughter.
You were lucky to drive it during it's use! It's a great walk, but be sure to park on the Illinois side, NOT the Missouri side. Your vehicle is not safe left unattended on the Missouri side.
Thanks. I had heard the same thing. I've parked on the IL side the two prior times I walked it.
Your videos are fabulous. I'm a Route 66 junkie; was raised 3 blocks off the 1926 alignment in Virden, IL.
When I last rode my bike over the bridge, the parking lot at the end of the bridge on the Missouri side was closed. The nearest available lot was in North Riverfront Park, which is close to a mile away, but cars are safer left there.
Jim MacMurdo
love your videos. but your sound system is to low at times can hardly hear you ellen
I've always wanted to drive across this bridge; my grandpa used to tell me stories about having to cross it at the hair-pin turn as he called it, with oncoming traffic. Sounded scary, but I've wanted to see it for myself in a car. Thanks for posting this!
Many people died at that bend in the bridge.
Yeah...he'd mentioned that to me. Do you happen to know what the posted speed limit would've been when it opened in '29?
If there was a speed limit, it would have been around 20 or 25 mph.
I've walked it...never drove it. This is so cool. Thanks for sharing.
I rode over the bridge about five years ago on a group motorcycle tour. It was in a poor state then, I hope some maintain work can be done
I drove that bridge a few times back in High School...it was a scary SOB! Then in 1971, after it was "officially closed" (but you could still get up on it) my band "We The People" did a photo shoot on the bridge. I just checked all those shots for a speed limit sign, but couldn't find one.
Did you hangout there alot?
I went across it in My 71 Galaxie 500 XL Sport fast back @ 138mph from the bend to the Illinois apron aproach the went through to the canal bridge .There were no gates just closed bridge signs then .The cops got called and I left and got out of the area. The stripes were still visible then.
Good times Doug..... too bad they didn't have gopro cameras back then :)
Great video ! I grew up in nearby Spanish Lake and have many memories of the bridge when it was open. There was a gas station on the Missouri side right as you got onto Riverview. There were three other bridges in the immediate area that were similar. The first was the Lewis bridge from St. Louis Co. to St. Charles county at west Alton. From there the Clark bridge went to Alton Il. They were all the same age and design. The other was the Rock Road bridge in St. Charles Mo. It also had a strange bend in the middle. They are all gone now and the Chain of Rocks is the last one left.
You are correct. I could see the old 115 bridge at St. Charles from my bedroom window as a child. I went across it many times and saw many a mirrors on trucks get knocked off. Another interesting fact about the 115 bridge is that it had a pedestrian walkway on the outer southern span. Thanks for watching and sharing. I hope you like my other videos too! Here are a couple other bridges:
MacArthur ua-cam.com/video/E7ONKuWEJtE/v-deo.html
Stan Musial ua-cam.com/video/Mku1OxbGjhs/v-deo.html
Richard Dinkela I do remember the walkway on the side of the 115 bridge. Many times riding a bicycle to St. Charles I would have to walk it across. It was real handy because riding on the bridge roadway was suicide. Do you remember the series of decks and steps that led down to Main St. and how vandals would spray paint the side of the building next to it ?
Yeah, I walked it. I remember the alleyway where the concrete wall of graffiti was at too. Once in a while the city would paint over it giving the local vandals a fresh canvas. Now its a through street next to the court house. Its a shame.
I once popped a tire on the edge of the roadway on the St. Charles Rock Road bridge when an oncoming truck was on or just over the center line. The metal on the side was very jagged so I'm guessing my tire/wheel was far from the first to hit it. I never took driver-ed in school but the drivers-ed class at the high school I went to made all the students drive over it before passing the class, I'd hate to be that teacher :-( Soon after graduating it was closed then demolished.
Remember, this used to be a 2-WAY road, and when two large trucks passed each other, sometimes their mirrors would smash into each other, the road was that narrow, that is why the bridge was closed to traffic in the first place. The only way that traffic could be used on that bridge again would be to make it a one-lane traffic bridge, with stop-lights at either end that allowed only one-way flow of traffic at a time, then alternate that traffic every 10 minutes. Plus there would have to be weigh scales at either end, and anything overweight would trigger the traffic lights to trip to red until the overweight vehicle was removed from the scales.
What would make this even more impressive, on coming traffic. It would give you a real sense how narrow this bridge was. Pulling up to the trailer helps give you a sense of it. The bridge looks to be in pretty good shape compared to when I was last on it a decade ago.
Very coll sir. Thankyou for shRing.
My Dad used to drive a truck over this bridge back in the 60's and said that it was so narrow that the rear duels of the trailer would rub the curb after making the curve... It sounds as if the joints in the bridge are in VERY bad shape....I held my breath the entire video hoping it wouldn't collapse!!! Thanks for sharing, I subbed and love your videos!
Thanks Daniel. I can guarantee your father was not exaggerating. The bend is slightly wider, but even with going into oncoming traffic I could see tires rubbing the curbs for sure. Great story. - Thanks for sharing!
When I was young back in the 50s It was two lane busy Highway ,Today`s Drivers can`t judge width and stay in there own lane
When I was growing up in the area, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was the alternate route to St Louis when it was not possible to use the Lewis and Clark Bridges. This was a scary drive back then since as you can see it is quite narrow and was heavily used by tractor-trailer trucks. With the sharp curve at the western end and if it were slick you would be very happy to get to the other end.
Hey Roamin' Rich i hate to bring this up but i saw on a episode of justice files 2 young woman was thrown to their deaths off this bridge. I live in California and i remembered the name of this bridge and decided to look it up and found you. I really do have a deep sincere love of bridges, lighthouses and turn of the 19th and 20th century structures. You do great work bringing this to all. Thank you.
It was an unfortunate tragedy that still haunts the bridge
Those psychos made those teenagers jump off this bridge at night. That must have been so terrifying.
You're right.... Horrifying to imagine. I think about it every time I'm on the bridge.
i used to walk this bridge every day sure miss it.
just came across this knew this bridge well as a kid
When was the last time a "Drive over" was allowed? I've heard the Rt 66 Association's have organised this in the past. I would love a chance to have a drive over it again. The last time was with my Grandpa back in the '60's!
+Mark Roberts I've been receiving conflicting stories on whether or not they still permit driving over the bridge or not. Other than that I do know of a couple cases as late as 2015 when people have crossed over the bridge in vehicles
I just talked to a guy on one of the RT 66 sites on FB that posted a pic of his GTO group going over in Sept 2016. I guess it CAN be done, it's just getting the timing right. I'm going to start calling to see if I can find an opportunity to cross.
Thanks for the Reply btw!
Mark, the Route 66 Association of Illinois crosses the bridge annually on their motor tour. Contact the association president Cathie Stevanovich at cathiesb@earthlink.net or phone the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame & Museum in Pontiac at 815-844-4566 - they'd be able to sign you up.........
I would love to get a video together recreating a traffic scenario. Unfortunately there are some static decorations on the bridge that would prohibit that type of scenario without a lot of effort. Yes the bridge is open to foot and bike traffic as part of the Trailnet path network.
Awesome Drive !... thanks for placing it here.... :)
Years ago, back before it was turned into a park, I walked across it... I always had a fear of high, narrow, long, creepy old girder bridges, but I was determined to walk this one. For years driving cross country I had seen it from the newer I-70 bridge that it paralell'd... and I had guess it was then consider'd "abandon'd "...
So, ---once I stopped to explore....from the Illinois side the road (US66) approaching it crossed over a bridge spanning the canal, still used at the time by trucks going to the garbage dump island.. and then plunging into an overgrown jungle... the pavement was horrible, with potholes everywhere... I had passed several collapsing remains of a gas station and a couple motels earlier... when I approached what was the start to the actual bridge, it's enterance was block with a primitive fence... I had to climb thru brush, the poison ivy and briars- to reach the bridge...
There were no nice guardrails, the pavement had large cracks that you could see thru to the water below... and worst of all to my lasting memory- the missing manhole covers ! Gives me a chill even now to think of that.....but I made it across from the Illinois side, turned about and walked back ......And ever since then, though old bridges still give me a knot in my stomach, I don't fear them like I originally did-- it was the greatest therapy !....
A few years later I learned about the gristly murder of those two sisters- and I realize now what a risk I might have taken doing that walk... but I went in the daytime and there was no one around... and I knew enuff to stay clear of anyone..................... all the same.......
Today in the my many road trips across the US the Chain-of-Rocks Bridge is a favorite place to stop and take a break. I can now walk its length in (relative) peace- only a tiny knot in my stomach... :)
Approaching that bend I can only imagine what it must have been like to see an oncoming truck and trying to guage the clearance-- those old railings- which I still recall with nightmarish clarity, -would have been scant safety assurance. Just approaching the curve is enuff- it looks and feels (to me anyway) that the bridge is ending and I will drop you off into the river below.
Turning it into a linear park was one of the best ideas... I have been warned numerous times, however, that you must be very careful to secure your vehicle on the Missouri side- thefts etc. are all to common at that end (I always stop on the Illinois shore.)
Again, a really big 'Thank You !"
If you have photos I would love to see them. I too have a similar fear of bridges but my curiosity overruled.
Stay away from the Missouri side when parking. Only park on the Illinois side.
Photo's?... sorry, but in those days of 35mm slides I'd left my camera back in the car... but it would not have been much used to me, as I was too terrified of that bridge then to think clearly enuff to do any photographing.... :)
It was , to put it plainly- very Verrrry Creepy .....
The narrow-ness of it's roadbed impressed me most- but so did the long approach- it seem'd quite away's out (or to me then) before the bridge actually went out over the river. Those missing manhole covers were like living, open death traps of swirling waters below-- awaiting my inattention... not to mention missing sections of that thin, flimsy stuff that passed for a guard rail... in places you could actually walk right off the side of the bridge. The approach was covered in vines, graffiti.. I knew- I Felt !- I was not supposed to be there. I had my pistol in my purse- but it was of little comfort.
I bested the fear in my stomach and made it passed that 22 degree turn-- but as someone who really feared bridges, approaching that bend took all my intestinal fortitude... it really appear'd that is where it all will end, and I would plunge into the river...though I knew different.
Today I can walk that bridge like any tourist, though in the back of my mind, as I do ---runs that file of that first trip; the one where I kept a keen eye out for those missing manhole covers.....:)
That's a scary old bridge. Cool video.
great video!!!
Thanks......Great old Bridge..................John.......................
This makes me what to get my kicks...on root 66.
i used to live on that "island" until it flooded in 1993 been across that bridge a few times
Would that be Chautou Island?
Amazing bridge, I always wondered where this bridge got it's name "chain of rocks". I found out from another video..the rocks in the river.
Back in the mid 1980s I and A friend flew across the Chain of Rocks and Canal bridges in a 1971 Ford Galaxy' 500 XL Sport . 429 Cobra Jet engine .Not the cars original engine by the way. Wasn't much of a barrier to stop you from driving across it then. It was just another old set of abandoned hiway bridges . whent across the Chain Of Rocks bridge at 120mph and 135 lmph across the Canal Bridge. . Saw cop lights over on the I-270 bridge so I bid a hasty retreat through East St. Louis and come around the south on I-255. Beat feet out the St. Louis area Back Home to Highlandville Mo.. He and I and a couple of women friends had been at Six Flags at Eureka Mo. And decided to drive around looking for something crazy to do. Never got caught and it was a blast . I cased out the area before doing it.and knew the city quite well. Got thru Pontoon Beach. And split..
I must see this reenacted!
@@HookedOnRoute66 Hahaha!! No Doubt !! It was a blast. I got married in 1990 and the car got sold and Bought (shudder) a new Dodge Grand Caravan because I and the Wife were in family way..Who by the way was the women setting beside me when that run took place.. Ah to be young again..I have been on some of the stretches of Route 66 in a tractor trailer and I and the wife when the kids got grown drove our 1953 Chrysler Saratoga down the old road.. It has a more modernized drivetrain so the trip went without a problem.. Power steering,power disc brakes ,air conditioning and cruise control.Looks original on the outside and has the original Firedome 330 Hemi engine.. But has all the comforts and a Automatic transmission. The big truck was my 86 Marmon Cab Over. If what I was Hauling made the truck weigh less than 70,000 lbs. I would sneek over onto the old road and get away from the noise and hassle of the interstate.The US 66 road bed weight limit was rated for 73,500lbs in its day for Semi truck use.If I had plenty of time I would disappear and relax and run the old road. I have used the old truck routes thru towns for old 66. I have old maps and written directions for the old truck bypass routes. Done before GPS. Low clearance locations listed so I wouldn't stumble across low bridge lications. Most of the bridges had a 13 6 or more overhead clearance. Some of the bridges are underweight rated to enforce laws. But I got a hold bridge weight standards listings . 4ton weight rating on the routes bridges on the route are there to keep trucks from using them. But having hauled heavy eqquipment in some of these areas a underated bridge could be permiied to haul a heavy load across. Havent fallen thru a bridge deck yet. But you have to know the weight and width limits like the back of your hand and laws governing them. Really blows a lical cops mind when you throw the states legal limitations in writing in front of them. I love the videos on the old road. Brings back good memories of my travels.
love your videos.
I always went here to ride my bike when I was kid in 2007-2012.
+michael young i'm shock that your able to drive across that bridge.
BRAVE SOUL, AS I THOUGHT I WAS.
I alway drove that bridge in the 60 it was a nightmare. At the bend
Hey Rich, I'm planning my own trip along Rte 66 right now, so all ur videos are so great to see and they're definitely helping me plan where to go. Really love this one coz I was only researching the history of the Chain Of Rocks bridge just yesterday! Love the music in the background of this one too - what's the song called?
The Chain of rocks and other Route 66 bridges in St. Louis are a must see. Plan to spend about 2 hours exploring this beauty as you must access it by foot or bicycle. Be sure to park ONLY on the Illinois side. It is the more secure of the two. If you visit the other bridges you want to stick mostly to the Missouri side though. There are a ton of break ins on tourist's cars that happen at the chain of rocks in MO.
As far as the music goes.... I'm not sure. It was a free background ad in on my video editor. I hope you get out there soon and enjoy!
Hello from Kansas 🇺🇸
This bridge is tall enough for river traffic which has been diverted to the canal East of the bridge.
Cool video, I'd love to drive across that bridge. About 8 years or so ago I walked part way across. I didn't go all the way for a couple of reasons, one was it was so windy I was worried about my glasses blowing off. The other is I'd parked on the St. Louis side and was worried about my car. It turned out to be OK but I've heard some bad stories about that side.
You should never park on the Missouri side.
I found out, fortunately not the hard way. How safe is the Illinois side? I'd really like to walk across the bridge on my Route 66 trip in April but I'm not willing to leave my car someplace where it won't be safe.
The Illinois side is 'safe'-- as safe as any place like this can be-- but seriously, I have met many families on picnics there, hikers, bikers.. kids and people walking dogs- I THINK the police have something like a presence ... just be aware of the surroundings, time of day- 'carry' if you can... etc.... there are (maybe) some active security cameras-- look at them, Guys, and tell me they are for real...lol...
When there is there is plenty of foot traffic you should be safe- but for your vehicle's sake. park on Illinois side !
My car was robbed on Missouri side, St. Louis City Police not helpful.
@@HookedOnRoute66 Illinois side ain't much better.
thanks for posting this. always wanted to see this bridge, but living in s/cal its not that easy to make the road trip...
My pleasure!
I live in near by Belleville, IL. Id like to rude across with some cycling buddies if its always open to pedestrian traffic. Ill have to plan a cool riding route, maybe cross this bridge, and maybe find a way to Ross back over the river on the Eads, or another bridge.
It only closes at night. Otherwise it's part of a huge network of bicycle paths in the metro area. Just look up trailnet and GRG greenway. You'll have a great time. You can easily come back across on the Eads or the McKinley.
You mentioned that the east side was in Mitchell Illinois. That's actually Madison city. And the policeman that stopped you was a Madison city officer.
Why did the person in front of you keep stopping?
They were taking photos
Why Not Show the Site of the Great Old “Chain of Rocks Amusement Park” While You’re There?
History That Deserves to Be Remembered.
I actually have footage of some of that.... I'll see what I can do.
Good evening. I thoroughly enjoyed your video and I plan to visit it next month. I heard that there was a problem with vandalism in the parking lot. Should I be concerned about that?
Stay on the Illinois side
Its too bad that the Chain of Rocks Bridge has now been demolished. Quite sad really, how did it not get preserved?
+Joey Moric ummm no. It's still there.
wait, this must be the smaller bridge on the other side of the river, oops.
The only bridges I know that have been destroyed are the 115 bridge going into St. Charles over the Missouri river and recently the Boone bridge over the Missouri river going into St. Charles from Chesterfield.
Now that I look at it, I think the bridge that was destroyed was over the Chain of Rocks Canal, not the Mississippi itself. But it appears the Chain of Rocks bridge won't be accessible from the Illinois side anymore.
Don't assume. You could mislead people to think your assumption is fact. The chain of rocks canal bridge is still standing too. The bridges you are talking about were serving interstate 270. They were replaced within the last 12 months.
merci mon raive pierrot 85 ans paris
This bridge is huge and really interesting. Looks dangerous though, no shoulder and small railing
+bradye21 plays Indie Horror The railing was added when the bridge was opened to pedestrians. There was no railing when it was used for vehicular traffic.
Wow, thanks for the info!
I live not too far from the bridge. It's extremely narrow! Speaking of the bend in the bridge, how did semis cross this bridge?
Semis crossed... but they weren't the same sized as they are today. They went around that bend slowly, or they stopped until oncoming traffic was clear.
Is there still electricity running to those street lights out in the middle by the curve?
That's a great question. I really don't know but I'll try to find out.
I think the bridge opened in 1929. It was closed in 1968 in favor of the new I-270 bridge. As I recall the bridge was built with private funding with a toll plaza on the MO. side. The original plans called for the bridge to be a straight shot across the river but there was some bureaucratic nonsense that caused the “kinks” in the construction. I crossed this bridge many times in the 50’s and 60’s with my family on trips to visit an army buddy who had served with my father in WW 2. Remember that cars in the late 20’s and early 30’s were much narrower than later cars. That is why the roadway is so narrow. My father said that approaching the tight kink towing a trailer with a truck coming the other way was as close to a tight squeeze as he ever wanted to be in. I last drove across this bridge in August 1966 in a 1931 Model A Ford. On a return trip 2 weeks later the new I-270 bridge was open to traffic and I saw very few cars on the old bridge. As an aside, the old Chain of Rocks Canal bridge is still in use the last time I went to St. Louis. I traveled old 66 many times and always enjoyed the trip.
Amazing account. Thank you!
Great video !! I have shared it with a couple of friends. Do you know the reason why there is a curve in the bridge ? I'm surprised they didn't continue straight on.
They curved it in order to satisfy the Corp of engineers. At that time ships were still using the channel and it was necessary to curve the bridge in order to provide ships adequate access. That's what I've been told at least.
Thanks Rich !! It's an amazing bridge.
Roamin' Rich -While your reply is correct, you might like to know one other reason. If they had made it straight, it would have put the section of bridge over the river where bedrock was insufficient to support the weight of the piers. Also, going straight would take the bridge too close to 2 water intake towers. Would be diffcult to navigate around the bridge and towers. Either way, it had to have a bend.
I don't know the purpose of the water intake towers, unless they were generating electricity on shore.NOTE: Just read reason for intake towers, they pumped water to shore to be used for their water supply.
I think I'd have been blowing the horn at that stupid trailer in front of me and shouting MOVE, lmao
why? they were part of the tour group that allowed him the opportunity of driving across a normally closed to car traffic bridge. I wouldnt have wanted to rush anyway...what a great chance to do this...why hurry?
Entire bridge has been stripped of all signs and vehicles, just went there today
there are still some signs
I wonder why the bridges in St. Louis have some type of curve? Poor engineering? Enjoying the videos!
Maria, reason for the curve, if the bridge went straight, it would come out on a section of the rock bed that was not able to support the bridge. Also, it would have come too close to two water intake towers that supplied water to the city. Also, it would have interferred with the shipping lanes, so the bend was necessary. The watet intake towers are interesting, they are 3 stories high. Per Google.
In the fall of '59, driving from Ca. to Ohio, I crossed this bridge. I just entered onto it when I had to stop. The traffic in my lane was backed up. I saw a tractor/trailer in the other lane, (heading west) sitting still. No one was moving. A motorcycle cop appeared to survey the problem. He decided the truck would not move until the east bound traffic got by, then he could use both sides of the road. When I got to the truck, I wasn't able to get thru. I was over to my right as far as I could go. The cop had the truck back up 'till I heard the trailer scraping the bridge. Then the cop stood in front of me so he could see both sides of my car, and worked me thru. I believe I had about 3 inch clearance on each side. My car was a '58 Pontiac Star Chief, a big car. I vowed to never get on that bridge again.
That's an amazing story. I believe it too... I get into that corner and just think... how is a truck to make this turn with any oncoming traffic???
Roamin' Rich -I tweeted you about my experience 1 year ago , when in fall of 1959, I crossed this bridge. I am reading now about missing man hole covers. My question is, why are there manhole covers, is there a sewer line crossing that bridge. Why can't they replace the covers with locks?
I look at the bridge now and wonder why they would ever build a bridge that narrow. That is quite a structure to abandon.
great Rich Doug Chapman
Sweet
Mighty narrow for modern transportation. Hell, mighty narrow for 70 year old transportation. What were the Dept. Of Transportation "officials" thinking? Answer: They WEREN'T!!
Turn buckle, not turn style?
I guess people can still walk across, but not drive, correct?
You can only drive it with permission.
Still a mystery to me why they spent all that money to build that bridge, and is not wide enough for two cars. I look at it now, and it really is just one lane by today's standards. Also, what was the purpose for the bend? I heard years ago but have forgotten.
And why the curves?
@@kbruceward9706 -A short rundown on why there was a curve in the bridge. If it went straight, one end of the bridge would come out on a section of the river where the bedrock was insufficient to support the weight of the bridge, also, would have brought the bridge too close to two water intake towers that supplied water to the city. (Intake towers are interesting. Read up on them. They are 3 floors high)
Shipping would be hard to navigate around the bridge and the towers, either way, it had to bend. The Army Corp Of Engineers had to make sure the shipping lanes were clear for the ships. I too was curious about the bend, so I went to Google and got this information. Also, I have a comment on here from 6 months ago about my experience on this bridge in 1958. It is the longest comment on here, so perhaps you can find it. It is quite interesting, about my struggle to get my car across that bridge.
recommission route 66 non fiction
It's alive and well. Be sure to tell everyone you know about all the great stuff on the old road.
recommission it
ok
Escape from New York
famous horrible murders there
THAT BRIDGE IS TOO LONG FOR ME!! LOVE ICHEAL WALLIS VERSION
Is that a cop car behi d you?
+John Brazil Yes. He was curious as to why I was on the bridge. I had permission as he later found out.
@@HookedOnRoute66 Oh that is funny (odd funny) you would think that the locals officers would know when there are special groups that are allowed to cross . Especially since there where a bunch of cars in front of you. Guess he missed the memo....LOL I thought he was an escort since they have to get permission to do that.
Very odd place for a bicycle rack for parking a bicycle.
don't go to slow they will steal your hub caps or rob you after all it the 314
bike trail only now.
I drove across it 2 weeks ago. I have it in a video again soon
way better to walk it
What's with the police?
Lol. It was for dramatic affect. The officer was uninformed that we would be using the bridge. He was simply investigating. He was happy to help out.
McKinley bridge sucked way worse, decades ago, and remained open.
Yes... Very scary riding over the McKinley bridge on that metal grating, outside of the main spans.
I noticed that bridge says do not enter, did you get pulled over at the end?
I was part of a motor tour. We had permission. I staged the traffic stop
@@HookedOnRoute66 thanks for the reply! Recently came across your channel and have really been enjoying the abandoned road/old alignment videos :)
love your videos.