Metro St. Louis is one of the easiest cities to find on a satellite image because of its location at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The rivers act up now and then during heavy rains, but we usually don't have trouble crossing them due to the efforts of countless engineers and bridge builders. Several local bridges have notable features.
The Clark Bridge in Alton, IL was built during the Great Flood of '93. The cable suspension bridge connecting Missouri and Illinois has its own Nova documentary entitled Superbridge. Try to catch a glimpse of it at night when the gold cables are illuminated.
The Chain of Rocks Bridge was part of Route 66. Its unique bend in the center and general narrowness eventually made it unsafe for vehicular traffic. It was closed in 1968 in favor of the safer but bland multi-lane I-270 bridge. In the mid-1990's, a local organization named Trailnet began raising funds and generating support to refurbish the bridge for use as a connector between bikeways that were being created on both sides of the river. Today, their efforts have allowed visitors to once again safely use the bridge. In addition to being a connector for bikers and walkers, it is a good spot for eagle watching in winter.
The Eads Bridge is another marvel of engineering named after designer James Eads. It was completed in 1874 with a road deck and two rail lines. Today the bridge has a protected pedestrian walk next to the refurbished roadway that allows for spectacular views of the St. Louis skyline and the river traffic beneath. The two rail lines were adapted for use by the MetroLink light rail system. Rail stations are located on each end of the bridge.
The Page Avenue Bridge between St. Louis and St. Charles Counties was constructed recently, and includes a separate bike lane. Thanks to the forethought of those involved, the metro area is safely connected to the KATY Trail. A bench at a small lookout area midspan allows bikers and walkers to take in the view of the Missouri River below.
