Richard

A pair of bridges

Sunday, 11. October 2009, 16:28:26

The Chain of Rock Bridge in the center and behind that, a glistening white band, the New Chain of Rocks Bridge.

The famous U.S. Route 66 used the old Chain of Rocks Bridge. It is now a bicycle route and pedestrian walkway, with all traffic using the far plainer but straight New Chain of Rocks Bridge. As you can, the old bridge was built in a 'V' shape to cut costs and utilize the river bedrock, but the turn in the middle bridge made life difficult for tractor-trailer trucks passing each other.

In the river, just before the old bridge, you can see one of two water intakes disguised as a mansion!

Mystery crop...is sorghumWeeping Angel

Comments

PainterWoman # 11. October 2009, 16:55

Love the older bridge. Would be cool to meander across it on foot.

I'm wondering how the mansion is accessed. From the top or by boat. Is it actually touching the bridge?

Richard # 11. October 2009, 16:58

No, it's a little way in front of the bridge - you're seeing a good example of telephoto lens foreshortening! You can only access it by boat - I must say, I am curious to see what it is like inside.

The old bridge is really fun to walk across, Pam.

L2D2 # 11. October 2009, 18:30

As always, the old structures have character, which IMO is missing in our present day architecture.

Stardancer # 12. October 2009, 01:23

yooperprof # 17. October 2009, 12:36

Those old box and girder bridges are excellent memorials of their particular time - functional beauty. I'm glad that many of them are being preserved - and are appreciated - these days!

Richard # 16. November 2009, 17:45

Me too - I really like the style!