MacArthur Bridge

The subject of bridges has come up in conversation lately, with the tragedy in Minnesota. I was thinking of the only bridge I was ever fearful of, and the MacArthur Bridge came to mind. My recollections are as a small boy at the time in the late 1950's and early 60's.

I grew up in southern Illinois, about 2 hours south of St. Louis, and we would make the trip several times a year. In those days, there were no interstate highways, and we would travel up IL Route 3. I recall the bridge having a very Gothic type architecture. Very foreboding, especially at night. All of the structure was black, and the approaches had relatively sharp turns. There was a multitude of yellow caution lights and warning signs that added to the effect. Semi-trucks would often mishandle these turns, and become "jacknifed" with the cab hanging over the short guardrails. From a childs perspective, the crossing of the bridge was a scary experience.

The other element I recall, was the stench from the pre-EPA Monsanto plant on the Illinois side of the bridge.

The railroad company that owns the bridge has absolutely no plans to reopen the bridge to auto traffic. It would cost them money to replace the deck, with little gain to themselves. But I agree, wouldn't it be great to have at least 2 more lanes going across the Mississippi? Perhaps the bridge could carry reversible express lanes across the river.

Also, this is the bridge that carries Amtrak across the river.

The MacArthur Bridge was closed to auto traffic in 1981. When I was a teen I remember riding my bike across the bridge and feel the auto deck vibrate whenever a train crossed the bridge on the lower level. It would be nice to see this bridge completely refurbished. Over 40 years ago this bridge was once part of the U.S. highway system (designated US 460), the bridge marked the western terminus of this highway.

Are they planning to tear the whole upper road deck out?

Has anything bad ever happened under this bridge? I have had dreams about this bridge for years, and it's always bad dreams, that something bad and dark and scary has happened under it....does anyone have any history on it?

Does anyone know if they tore the entire eastern road deck out all the way to 10th street or did they just start tearing it out from the section they removed in 1989.

I think it would be a great idea to connect the West and East road ramp approaches to the highway for overflow traffic on the Poplar Street Bridge while still connecting it to the original route.

I think it would be great if they connected the East and West road ramp approaches to the highway as a back up for overflow traffic on the Poplar Street Bridge.

The highway deck was closed to traffic in 1981 due to pavement deterioration. That same year the western ramp approaches were ripped out.

I see that someone is tearing out the upper deck on the bridge. Too bad. I always wanted to get up there somehow and take pictures of the city.

Acually, it just depends on railroad traffic for the day. If the MacArthur bridge is backed up, Amtrak will go North along the riverfront and cross the Mississippi on the Merchants Bridge.

It is where the amtrack crosses. It is the only way for a common person to cross the river on this bridge now. Get a window seat.

I am taking Amtrak to Chicago in August, and was sondering where I would cross the Mississippi river. Is this the bridge that I will be crossing when i leave from St. Louis?

Thanks,

Tom