Project Overview:
The U.S. Route 66 Bridge over the Meramec River in Route 66 State Park was built in 1931. It has a unique Warren Truss support structure (one of four in Missouri) and is in great disrepair. The bridge decking was removed in 2010 to help preserve the support structure by taking the weight off the aging truss. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), had plans to demolish the remaining bridge structure if a viable redevelopment plan was not established by the end of 2016.
Thanks to a collaborative effort and financial gifts from donors, Landmarks Association and Philip and Judith Stupp, the bridge has been saved! A steering group was formed to undertake future fundraising efforts to preserve and explore options to renew this structure as part of the Meramec Greenway, the internationally popular and historic Route 66, and a vital connection in the State Park itself. Missouri State Parks now owns the bridge and MoDOT pledged their funds originally slated for demolition to the preservation plan.
Project Location:
The U.S. Route 66 Bridge is located the City of Eureka in St. Louis County. It is 1,008 feet long and connects two pieces of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Route 66 State Park.
Project Partners:
Missouri State Parks
Missouri State Parks Foundation
Great Rivers Greenway
Project Status
Current Status and Timeline:
Development of of construction documents and drawings are underway.
- 2021- Missouri State Parks, Missouri State Parks Foundation and Great Rivers Greenway engaged a team of engineers to assess the bridge’s current conditions and develop a cost estimate and renderings for the plan to restore it for people walking and biking.
- 2021 (August)- The consulting team presented their estimate to restore and refresh the bridge ($9 million) and renderings at the Route 66 State Park Annual Meeting.
- 2022- Feasibility study and cost estimates complete.
- 2023 (April & May ) Missouri State Parks and Great Rivers Greenway entered into cost share agreement for the development of construction drawings and documents. Missouri State Parks is the project manager; Great Rivers Greenway is project partner. Construction will be funded by Missouri State Parks and Great Rivers Greenway.
- 2026-Goal is to have project complete and bridge restored for the Route 66 Centennial Anniversary in 2026.
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Meramec Greenway: Route 66 State Park Walking & Biking Bridge-Updates
