Gasconade River Bridge rehab costs estimated at $2.5 million

An engineering firm estimated it would cost at least $2.5 million to rehabilitate the closed Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri. Sparks Engineering of San Antonio issued a 16-page structural evaluation of the historic Route 66 bridge, which has been closed since December 2014. The Missouri Department of Transportation has stated it would tear down … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge rehab costs estimated at $2.5 million

Gasconade River Bridge Guardians issue “urgent call to action”

The Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge Guardians issued an "urgent call to action" because the historic bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, is in "imminent danger" of demolition if a new owner isn't found by spring. Here's the message this week on the group's Facebook page that urges letters from Route 66 enthusiasts, urging the Missouri Department … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge Guardians issue “urgent call to action”

Donations may help find new owner for Gasconade River Bridge

The Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge Guardians have gathered enough donations to help pay for an engineer's study for the bridge. Now, the nonprofit group is using the money to put together "pitch packets" for prospective new owners of the closed and endangered span near Hazelgreen, Missouri. In an article this week in the Rolla … Continue reading Donations may help find new owner for Gasconade River Bridge

Gasconade River Bridge makes Missouri Places in Peril list

The closed Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, on Friday was named to the Missouri Alliance for Historic Preservation's historic Places in Peril list for 2018. The bridge also was placed on the list in 2015, when the state in late 2014 closed the bridge due to structural deterioration. The alliance issues a Places in Peril … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge makes Missouri Places in Peril list

2018 cost-share grants for Route 66 sites announced

The Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program on Wednesday announced it awarded seven cost-share grants totaling about $87,000 for preservation or historical research. Since 2001, the program has awarded 146 cost-share grants totaling $2.17 million. The program tentatively has planned to award more grants in 2019 before it expires that year. Here are the 2018 awardees, … Continue reading 2018 cost-share grants for Route 66 sites announced

Gasconade River Bridge Guardians issue progress report

The Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge Guardians this week issued a report on its activities to preserve the closed historic bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri. The group met in St. Louis on Sunday. Here is a summary of the meeting, as described on a post on Facebook on Thursday: -- The group's fundraising efforts have generated … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge Guardians issue progress report

Donations sought for possible cost-share preservation grants

Roamin' Rich Dinkela this week launched a campaign to raise matching donation dollars for possible cost-share grants from the Route 66 Corridor Preservation Program to help rehabilitate or stabilize the Painted Desert Trading Post in Arizona and the Gasconade River Bridge in Missouri, plus also offering money or elbow grease to preserve what's left of … Continue reading Donations sought for possible cost-share preservation grants

MoDOT seeks new owners for Gasconade River Bridge

The Missouri Department of Transportation announced Monday it would seek a new owner for the closed Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen after a preservation organization backed out of the project last month. MoDOT stated it would accept proposals through March 15, 2019, from those interested in maintaining the former Route 66 bridge. Those interested should … Continue reading MoDOT seeks new owners for Gasconade River Bridge

Gasconade River Bridge Guardians set plan for coming months

The Route 66 Gasconade River Bridge Guardians met Sunday in Leasburg, Missouri, to set a plan for the coming months, including fundraising to pay for an engineering assessment of the historic structure's condition and an estimate of repair costs to keep it safe for bicycle and light traffic. The Guardians gathered only a few days … Continue reading Gasconade River Bridge Guardians set plan for coming months

Workin’ Bridges withdraws from Gasconade River Bridge preservation effort

The Workin' Bridges nonprofit organization this week withdrew from its efforts to raise money to preserve the closed Gasconade River Bridge near Hazelgreen, Missouri, after several Route 66 enthusiasts questioned the group's plans and its transparency. Julie Bowers, executive director of the Iowa-based Workin' Bridges, said in a phone interview Thursday she was "bullied" online … Continue reading Workin’ Bridges withdraws from Gasconade River Bridge preservation effort