Chain of Rocks Region
Route 66 Bridges - Crossing the Mississippi
Multiple Crossings
Overs its 50 year history, Route 66 crossed the Mississippi River a five different locations. Increasing traffic forced the highway to ever larger bridges for safety and convenience.
1. McKinley Bridge: 1926-1929
(Optional 66 1929-1937)
The McKinley Bridge (named for the builder) opened in 1910 as a toll bridge operated by the City of Venice. Visit the "Salute to Steel sculpture at the McKinley Bridge Roadside Park. A kiosk interprets the region's cities, transportation, geography, and industry. The bridge is open the traffic and has a pedestrian lane.
2. MacArthur/ Municipal "Free" Bridge: 1929-1935
(City 66 1936-1955)
Built in 1909, this bridge wasn't opened for traffic until 1927 due to lack of funds to complete the approaches. In 1928, the bridge was also opened to trains. It was closed to cars in 1981, but trains still use it.
3. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: 1936-1955
(Bypass 66: 1955-1965)
Built as a private toll bridge in 1929, it was later turned over to the city of Madison, Illinois. It served as a Route 66 crossing for 30 years, the longest of any bridge. In 1967, the New Chain of Rocks Brdge was built immediately to the north and the old bridge was closed to traffic. Learn More on the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Website.
4. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge: 1950-1967
(Business 66: 1967-1969)
Originally named the Veterans Memorial Bridge when built in 1951, it opened as a toll bridge. The bridge carries Interstate Highway traffic today.
5. Poplar Street Bridge: 1967-1977
Opened in 1967, the last bridge that Route 66 crossed still carries Interstate Highway traffic. It spans the south end of "Bloody Island," so called because several Misouri pliticians fought duels here. Robert E. Lee connected the island to the mainland with landfill in the 1850s.
Confluence of Rivers
North America's two greatest rivers, the Mississippi and the Missouri, meet in the heart of the St. Louis Area. For centuries, people have been drawn to this confluence and its abundant resources. From here you can explore a network of interconnected trails and attractions along the Mississippi linking Illinois and Missouri. Explore more of the Metro East Area here.
Multiple Crossings
Overs its 50 year history, Route 66 crossed the Mississippi River a five different locations. Increasing traffic forced the highway to ever larger bridges for safety and convenience.
1. McKinley Bridge: 1926-1929
(Optional 66 1929-1937)
The McKinley Bridge (named for the builder) opened in 1910 as a toll bridge operated by the City of Venice. Visit the "Salute to Steel sculpture at the McKinley Bridge Roadside Park. A kiosk interprets the region's cities, transportation, geography, and industry. The bridge is open the traffic and has a pedestrian lane.
2. MacArthur/ Municipal "Free" Bridge: 1929-1935
(City 66 1936-1955)
Built in 1909, this bridge wasn't opened for traffic until 1927 due to lack of funds to complete the approaches. In 1928, the bridge was also opened to trains. It was closed to cars in 1981, but trains still use it.
3. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: 1936-1955
(Bypass 66: 1955-1965)
Built as a private toll bridge in 1929, it was later turned over to the city of Madison, Illinois. It served as a Route 66 crossing for 30 years, the longest of any bridge. In 1967, the New Chain of Rocks Brdge was built immediately to the north and the old bridge was closed to traffic. Learn More on the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway Website.
4. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Bridge: 1950-1967
(Business 66: 1967-1969)
Originally named the Veterans Memorial Bridge when built in 1951, it opened as a toll bridge. The bridge carries Interstate Highway traffic today.
5. Poplar Street Bridge: 1967-1977
Opened in 1967, the last bridge that Route 66 crossed still carries Interstate Highway traffic. It spans the south end of "Bloody Island," so called because several Misouri pliticians fought duels here. Robert E. Lee connected the island to the mainland with landfill in the 1850s.
Confluence of Rivers
North America's two greatest rivers, the Mississippi and the Missouri, meet in the heart of the St. Louis Area. For centuries, people have been drawn to this confluence and its abundant resources. From here you can explore a network of interconnected trails and attractions along the Mississippi linking Illinois and Missouri. Explore more of the Metro East Area here.
Gateway to the West
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
A soaring "mile long" crossing over the Mississippi was a memorable passage for Route 66 motorists. This unique bridge served as a Route 66 crossing from 1936-1965. As travelers waited to pay the toll, anticipation grew for the breathtaking view and rounding the sharp bend in the middle.
What's in a Name?
A treacherous stretch of rapids here is formed by underwater rock lodges described as a "chain of rocks."
The bridge was built in 1929 as a toll bridge. The distinctive 22 degree bend in the middle resulted from the need to build on sold rock footings.
A Travel Destination
This river crossing was a milestone for long distance travelers. Four hundred elm trees lined the Illinois approach to the bridge. Brightly lit restaurants and motels sprang up on the river bank to welcome the hungry and tired. Just over the bridge, families enjoyed the Chain of Rocks Amusement Park.
Today, you can relive this excitement by walking or biking on one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world (5,454 feet long). The Illinois Scenic Byway website can help you plan your trip to visit the Chain of Rocks Bridge.
Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
A soaring "mile long" crossing over the Mississippi was a memorable passage for Route 66 motorists. This unique bridge served as a Route 66 crossing from 1936-1965. As travelers waited to pay the toll, anticipation grew for the breathtaking view and rounding the sharp bend in the middle.
What's in a Name?
A treacherous stretch of rapids here is formed by underwater rock lodges described as a "chain of rocks."
The bridge was built in 1929 as a toll bridge. The distinctive 22 degree bend in the middle resulted from the need to build on sold rock footings.
A Travel Destination
This river crossing was a milestone for long distance travelers. Four hundred elm trees lined the Illinois approach to the bridge. Brightly lit restaurants and motels sprang up on the river bank to welcome the hungry and tired. Just over the bridge, families enjoyed the Chain of Rocks Amusement Park.
Today, you can relive this excitement by walking or biking on one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world (5,454 feet long). The Illinois Scenic Byway website can help you plan your trip to visit the Chain of Rocks Bridge.
