Route 66 State Park historic Meramec River Bridge saved by fundraising effort, potential future important bike/ped link | SaveThisBridge.org

Headlines are quick hits from media outlets from Missouri and around the world. Follow the headline link for the full story. The source of this headline says:

A nationally recognized landmark and one of the last Warren Truss designs in Missouri, the 84-year-old bridge was scheduled for demolition sometime this year due to advanced deterioration. But thanks to a collaborative effort from local stakeholders, Missouri State Parks was recently able to accept ownership of the bridge and earn it a reprieve from the wrecking ball.
"Missouri State Parks was recently able to accept ownership of the bridge and earn it a reprieve from the wrecking ball."

The opportunity now exists to renew the 1,008-foot-long bridge as a connection for people walking and biking in Route 66 State Park, where it is located. Additional funding is needed to save the structure and create a lasting cultural asset. The historically significant bridge, already an international attraction for Route 66 and architecture enthusiasts, could become a vital conduit for transforming the surrounding area.

Revitalizing this bridge will:

Restore a vital piece of history
Promote healthy lifestyles
Connect communities
Enhance the State Park experience
Encourage international tourism
Catalyze future development

Link: 

Route 66 State Park historic Meramec River Bridge saved by fundraising effort, potential future important bike/ped link | SaveThisBridge.org

MoBikeFed comment: We have mentioned the fundraising effort to save the Route 66 Meramec River Bridge before: http://mobikefed.org/2016/07/save-meramec-route-66-bridge-ruth-keenoy-go...

The good news is that the bridge has now been preserved and transferred from MoDOT to Missouri State Parks (the bridge is within the boundaries of Route 66 State Park near Eureka, MO).

The bad news is that the bridge is still out of commission. A few years ago the deck was removed, due to deterioration, and before the bridge can be used again more money just be raised to revitalize it as a planned bike/ped link across the river.

At that point, the bridge will not only be a great vantage point to enjoy views of the Meramec River and to provide bike/ped access within Route 66 State Park, but will also act as an important bicycle route link in this area and along one of the historic Route 66 corridors in Missouri.

Because of the Meramec River and nearby I-44, this area is difficult for bicycle and pedestrian access. The nearest possible through bicycle routes in the area are many miles north to Hwy 100 or many miles south to Highway 33.