The Chain Of Rocks Bridge stands as a unique and unforgettable landmark in America, particularly for those who have traveled the historic Route 66. Imagine driving over a mile-long bridge, only to encounter a distinctive 30-degree turn midway across, suspended more than 60 feet above the powerful Mississippi River. For over three decades, this bridge was an essential and memorable part of the Route 66 journey.
The intriguing name of the Chain of Rocks Bridge originates from a 17-mile series of rocky rapids, known as the Chain of Rocks, located just north of St. Louis. These numerous rock ledges, lying just beneath the river’s surface, made navigation along this stretch of the Mississippi River exceptionally hazardous. To mitigate this danger, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed a low-water dam in the 1960s, effectively submerging the Chain of Rocks and altering the river’s landscape. However, back in 1929, when the bridge was erected, the Chain of Rocks posed a significant challenge to river traffic and played a crucial role in the bridge’s design and history.
The construction of the Chain of Rocks Bridge was a monumental undertaking for its time, initially budgeted at $1,250,000. The original plan envisioned a straight, 40-foot wide roadway supported by five trusses forming ten spans. Massive concrete piers, rising 55 feet above the high-water mark, were designed to bear the weight of this substantial structure. Furthermore, the project included a four-mile approach road leading to the bridge’s northern entrance.
However, the initial straight design faced significant opposition. Riverboat captains voiced strong concerns, as the planned bridge alignment would pass near two water intake towers belonging to the Chain of Rocks pumping station. Navigating between the bridge piers and the intake towers simultaneously, they argued, would create an extremely perilous passage for boats and barges. Adding to the complexity, the originally proposed straight path crossed a section of the riverbed with insufficient bedrock to adequately support the massive piers. Consequently, a major design modification became necessary: the bridge had to incorporate a bend.
Construction commenced on both sides of the Mississippi River in 1927, and by August 1928, the piers were completed. A grand opening celebration was scheduled for New Year’s Day 1929. However, the Mississippi River had different plans. Flooding and ice hampered progress, delaying the bridge’s completion. The Chain of Rocks Bridge finally opened to public traffic in July 1929, marking a significant achievement despite the setbacks.
As is often the case with large-scale construction projects, the actual costs for the Chain of Rocks Bridge exceeded the initial projections. The final price tag reached just over $2.5 million, double the original estimate. Despite the cost overrun, the public arguably received exceptional value. The bridge approaches were beautifully landscaped, featuring a park-like setting with a pool and an elaborate toll booth on the Missouri side. On the Illinois side, 400 elm trees lined the roadway leading to the bridge. The Chain of Rocks Bridge served as a grand gateway to St. Louis, guiding travelers past the Chain of Rocks amusement park perched on the Missouri hills overlooking the river. On a clear day, crossing the Chain of Rocks Bridge was a genuinely delightful experience, offering stunning views and a sense of early 20th-century grandeur. This pleasant journey officially became part of the iconic Route 66 experience in 1936 when the highway was rerouted to traverse the bridge.
During World War II, the distinct red sections of the Chain of Rocks Bridge were painted green as a wartime camouflage measure to reduce its visibility from the air. Simultaneously, wartime gas rationing led to a decrease in traffic volume. To compensate for reduced revenue and maintain the bridge, the City of Madison increased tolls to 35 cents per car, with an additional five cents charged per passenger. This toll structure is a stark contrast to modern toll systems that often incentivize carpooling through discounted rates for vehicles with more occupants.
In 1967, the New Chain of Rocks Bridge, built to accommodate Interstate 270, opened just 2,000 feet upstream from the original bridge. The older Chain of Rocks Bridge was subsequently closed to vehicular traffic in 1968. As the bridge deteriorated in the following years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers even considered using it for demolition practice in the 1970s. By 1975, demolition seemed imminent. However, a fortunate turn of events saved the bridge. The scrap steel market experienced a downturn, making demolition financially unviable. The Chain of Rocks Bridge then entered a period of limbo for two decades – too costly to demolish, yet too narrow and outdated for contemporary vehicles. In 1980, film director John Carpenter utilized the gritty, rusting bridge as a backdrop for his science fiction movie, Escape from New York, adding an unexpected chapter to its history. Otherwise, the bridge remained largely abandoned.
Today, the Chain of Rocks Bridge has completed a remarkable transformation. Built during the burgeoning era of automobile travel in America, it now symbolizes a shift towards alternative modes of transportation. In the 1980s, the growing popularity of greenways and pedestrian corridors spurred a local group called Trailnet to initiate cleanup and restoration efforts for the neglected bridge. Integrated into a network of over 300 miles of trails on both sides of the Mississippi River, the rejuvenated Chain of Rocks Bridge reopened to the public in 1999 as a key component of the Route 66 Bikeway.
Because the Chain of Rocks Bridge has retained its original structure and character over the decades, a visit today offers a powerful sense of history and place. It provides an appreciation for early 20th-century bridge engineering and construction, along with breathtaking panoramic views of the expansive Mississippi River. Recognizing its historical and architectural significance, the Chain of Rocks Bridge was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
The Chain of Rocks Bridge runs parallel to U.S. 270 along West Chain of Rocks Road, connecting Riverview Drive in St. Louis, MO, and Illinois Route 3 in Madison County, IL. It provides connections to various trails, including the MCT Confluence Trail, Mississippi River Trail, and St. Louis Riverfront Trail. Free parking is conveniently available on the Illinois side at the bridge entrance and at North Riverfront Park, situated south of the bridge along the Riverfront Trail. On the Missouri side, a park featuring a pavilion, enhanced natural habitats, an event lawn, and a gated parking lot opened in 2024, further enhancing the visitor experience. Parking is also available at the Illinois bridge entrance and North Riverfront Park. The bridge is open daily to cyclists and pedestrians, inviting everyone to experience this iconic structure firsthand. For the most up-to-date information, you can contact 314-436-7009 or visit the Great Rivers Greenway website.
