The razing of the historic but closed Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino, California, began a few weeks ago. Though it's not on Route 66, many travelers heading to and from the Mother Road undoubtedly used the railroad viaduct over the decades. The span lies immediately south where Route 66 turns west onto West … Continue reading Demolition begins on Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge in San Bernardino
Category: Bridges
A rare glimpse inside one of the water-intake towers near the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
If you've ever walked on the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge that connects St. Louis to Madison, Illinois, you probably wondered what is inside those nearby water-intake towers on the Mississippi River. St. Louis television station KTVI provided a rare look via water intake tower No. 2: KTVI also has a gallery of images inside … Continue reading A rare glimpse inside one of the water-intake towers near the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
Missouri rejects latest bid to save Gasconade River Bridge
The Missouri Department of Transportation on Tuesday afternoon nixed the Route 66 Association of Missouri's plan to take over ownership of the historic Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen. The Lebanon Route 66 website posted a copy of the 13-page email sent to MoDOT officials, preservationists and other Route 66 organizations, including the Route 66 Gasconade … Continue reading Missouri rejects latest bid to save Gasconade River Bridge
Little Beaver Creek Bridge near Rolla closed to make way for a new bridge
The historic Little Beaver Creek Bridge along old Route 66 west of Rolla, Missouri, was closed last week so a new bridge would replace it this spring. According to an article in the Phelps County Focus, Martin Springs Drive (aka Route 66) leading to the bridge was closed on Jan. 20. The new, 90-foot-long bridge … Continue reading Little Beaver Creek Bridge near Rolla closed to make way for a new bridge
Pony Bridge near Bridgeport added to National Register of Historic Places
The William H. Murray Bridge, better known as the iconic Pony Bridge along Route 66 near Bridgeport, Oklahoma, recently was added to the National Register of Historic Places. The act became official Dec. 4, according to a weekly email from the National Park Service. I had assumed the 3,990-foot span, which opened in 1934 over … Continue reading Pony Bridge near Bridgeport added to National Register of Historic Places
Historic bridge sits a short distance from Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick
When a longtime Route 66 researcher discovers a historic gem just a short distance from the route, that tends to get your attention. Jerry McClanahan, Route 66 artist and author or co-author of the "Here It Is!" map series and "EZ66 Guide for Travelers" (Amazon links), posted this photo of his classic car on the … Continue reading Historic bridge sits a short distance from Seaba Station Motorcycle Museum in Warwick
Time-lapse video shows Adams Street Bridge being dismantled over Kennedy Expressway in Chicago
Chicagoland Route 66 expert David Clark sent me this fascinating time-lapse video of workers demolishing the Adams Street Bridge over the Kennedy Expressway, bit by bit, to make way for the Jane Byrne Interchange. https://youtu.be/K_JajKITzOQ The entire demolition operation was completed in less than a month. The video makes it appear traffic was going under … Continue reading Time-lapse video shows Adams Street Bridge being dismantled over Kennedy Expressway in Chicago
Sapulpa golf course renamed with Route 66 tagline
A long effort to rebrand the municipal golf course in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, recently bore fruit when city officials renamed it Rock Creek Golf Course on Historic Route 66. The former Charles C. Hamilton Sapulpa Municipal Golf Course sits along Oklahoma Route 66 (aka old Route 66) on Sapulpa's west side, near the historic Rock Creek … Continue reading Sapulpa golf course renamed with Route 66 tagline
Oklahoma invites public comments on Pony Bridge redevelopment
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation is asking for opinions on a future project to rehabilitate the U.S. 281 bridge, aka the Pony Bridge, over the South Canadian River near Bridgeport. The nearly 4,000-foot-long William H. Murray Bridge, built in 1934, is on the National Register of Historic Places and appeared in a scene of the … Continue reading Oklahoma invites public comments on Pony Bridge redevelopment
$22M federal grant will reconstruct Pony Bridge near Bridgeport
The U.S. Department of Transportation has given Oklahoma a $22 million grant to help rehab and reconstruct the historic Pony Bridge near Bridgeport, which includes keeping its distinctive yellow trusses. The Oklahoman newspaper in Oklahoma City reports: “The investment made by the U.S. Department of Transportation to help restore and upgrade Bridgeport Bridge is welcomed … Continue reading $22M federal grant will reconstruct Pony Bridge near Bridgeport