The Chain of Rocks Bridge near St. Louis, Missouri, originally a roadway, now serves as a pedestrian bridge stretching a mile long, connecting Missouri to Illinois. Previously facing demolition, this bridge has been preserved for pedestrian use, with repairs made to ensure safety.
Constructed in 1929 and decommissioned in 1970 following the construction of the newer Chain of Rocks Bridge nearby, the original bridge is an example of the cantilevered truss design, common for high, wide-span bridges. At the time of its construction, there was a general apprehension about bridge safety, leading to an overbuilt design, which might explain its longevity despite minimal maintenance.
A distinctive feature of this bridge is a pronounced bend midway, necessitated by the inability of the river’s bedrock at that point to support its weight. This bend is an unusual aspect in an otherwise conventional American bridge design of that era.
The newer bridge, while lacking the aesthetic appeal and expansive views of the old bridge, serves its functional purpose effectively, facilitating vehicular traffic over the river.
During a visit, the bridge was bustling with people walking or jogging, especially as sunset neared, despite strong winds gusting between 20-40 mph.
Initially slated for demolition, the costs proved prohibitive. Now, like many aged iron structures in the region, it stands, rusted and unmaintained, its aesthetic appeal varying based on individual perception.
Interestingly, for much of its operational life, the bridge functioned as a toll bridge, a common practice to offset construction costs, which in today’s money would be around 51 million dollars. This fact leads one to ponder the cost-effectiveness of alternative structures, like tunnels.
As one of the largest pedestrian bridges in America, originally built to support vehicular traffic for five decades, the bridge faces significant maintenance challenges. Due to high repair costs, it is likely to remain as it is, possibly until it succumbs to the elements.
The Bottom Line
This bridge stands as a unique structure, dominating the landscape over the Mississippi River, offering tranquil views of the surrounding area, a testament to both historical engineering and the changing times.
