Landmarks Association of St. Louis was given a $3,500 grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation as seed money for a long-term preservation plan for the closed and deteriorating Route 66 bridge at Route 66 State Park near Eureka, Mo.
According to the news release from the Landmarks Association:
The master plan for the bridge will serve as a long-range plan for the future use of the bridge and its environs as historic resources. An economic feasibility study, which is part of the master plan, will examine preservation and rehabilitation costs, as well as physical enhancement opportunities such as the placement of overlooks, seating, handicap accessible viewing platforms and educational signage in the park. […]
The Meramec River Bridge is an important resource associated with Route 66 in Missouri. The bridge was specifically constructed in 1931-32 for the historic highway, and is one of only four similarly designed bridges in the state. When the road was bypassed by Interstate 44, the bridge was likewise evaded and fell into disrepair. The master plan funded by the grant is a critical step in stabilizing the bridge for future renovation and use. […]
If you would like to make a tax deductible donation to save the Route 66 Meramec River Bridge, please send a check with “Route 66 Meramec River Bridge” written in the memo line to:
Landmarks Associaiton of St. Louis, 911 Washington Avenue, Suite 170 St. Louis, Missouri 63101
To learn more about the bridge and the efforts to save it, join the Friends of the Meramec River Route 66 Bridge on Facebook.
It’s a long way from getting the bridge reopened for Route 66ers and park users. But it’s a start.
(Hat tip: Joe Sonderman)