69. Chain of Rocks Bridge

The Chain of Rocks Bridge was an active Route 66 passage over the Mississippi River between 1936 - 1966.  Although no longer open to vehicular traffic, the Chain of Rocks Bridge allows visitors to walk a 1 mile authentic stretch of Route 66 across the Mississippi. Join Route 66 Podcast host Anthony Arno as he talks tih Elizabeth Simmons, from the Great Rivers Greenway about the popularity and almost complete demise of the Chain of Rocks bridge. Highlights from this episode include: The Great Rivers Greenway Mission Earliest bridges to cross the Mississippi River Physical location of Chain of Rocks Bridge 1936 Route 66 alignment on Chain of Rocks Bridge Peak bridge years with amusement park  Commercial barge traffic on Mississippi River Namesake of Chain of Rocks  Chain of Rocks channel Chouteau Island Construction of 1953 canal on east side Castle like structures at Chain of Rock Bridge Physical dimensions and unusual bend on Chain of Rocks Bridge Gretchen (bridge keeper volunteer) Earliest memory of Chain of Rocks Bridge Involvement as an ambassador at Chain of Rocks Bridge Typical bridge keeper duties Personal connection to bridge Most memorable people on the bridge Wildlife sightings on Mississippi Most recent renovations on the bridge  1970 - 1999 Bridge closed to the public and slated for demolition What ironically saved the Chain of Rocks Bridge from demolition Reopening as a pedestrian bridge in 1999 with Trialnet Great Rivers Greenway established in 2000 Future options for Chain of Rocks Bridge  Activities and events at Chain of Rocks Bridge Other Green Rivers Greenway destinations