The Manhole
The past is the present again.
historic bridges
Chain of Rocks Bridge Abstractions
Train Kept A-Rollin’
MacArthur Bridge approaches at 7th Street. Age and grit.
Old Chain of Rocks Canal Bridge
Built in 1949, over the recently opened Chain of Rocks Canal, this bridge was largely obsolete in 16 years, when the new 270 bridge opened. Before that, it had carried a Route 66 Bypass to the old Chain of Rocks… Continue Reading
West From Castlewood
Many of the old lodges from the resort era at Castlewood still stand over on New Ballwin Road, but I’ve noticed an interesting trend recently. As can be seen below, in-fill housing, made to look like traditional architecture, has begun… Continue Reading
Mississippi River, South of the Chain of Rocks
Since the construction of the Chain of Rocks Canal, the stretch of Mississippi River between the entrances of that canal is the longest portion of the navigable channel without barge or large boat traffic. It is sublimely beautiful, and worth seeing… Continue Reading
Cedar Street Bridge
Completed in 1933, the soaring Cedar Street Bridge ironically no longer carries Cedar Street across the Illinois River; it’s now called the MacArthur Highway. I find it interesting in that it is probably one of the first major bridges in… Continue Reading
Waltmire Bridge, Tremont, Tazewell County, Illinois
Built in 1910, the old Waltmire Bridge has been closed for what seems to be decades. Why was it here? The road is desolate, and few people live around here. We assumed that newer highways replaced the traffic needs of… Continue Reading
North Riverfront, Revisited Again
The North Riverfront remains a fascinating, historic place. But I often find myself stymied by closed streets (though not as bad as on the South Riverfront), and superblocks that formed over the years. Also, sometimes street names change, as well.… Continue Reading
Kingshighway Viaduct, Revisited
The days are numbered for the old Kingshighway Viaduct, about to be reduced to rubble in the next month or so. I stopped by to take some pictures of the demolition, only to realize it had not yet begun. Turns… Continue Reading