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
