Fenton Bridge

The Fenton Chamber of Commerce has a new logo that gives a nod to the bridge that was recently demolished.

http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/metro/news/article_45e66705-89b7-5bd7-8051-80cd6eca507f.html

It's still sad that the bridge wasn't used as a pedestrian trail bridge.

Article with demolition picture:

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/commutingtraffic/story/F6765590A961C6D2862576E0004FC239?OpenDocument

Quoted from the Fenton Historical Society website:

"A ferry boat was established in 1833 for ease in crossing the Meramec River, and in the same year the first post office opened its doors. In 1854 a group of businessmen formed a corporation to construct the first bridge across the river. This covered toll bridge was used until 1885 when it was replaced by an iron bridge. During the construction of the current “old bridge” in 1925, Gravois Road was rerouted around Olde Towne and it was at this time that Fenton gradually began to expand beyond the original eight square block area."

The full article can be read at this link:

http://www.fentonhistory.com/node/9

The bridge should be left in place as it is for bicylist and pedestrian use. A new bridge will do nothing to revitalize the local economy in Fenton. A new system of trails built to extend and improve upon the existing trails would be a real improvement and would be more likely to bring people into Olde Towne Fenton. Alternative transportation is real, even out here in the wilds of southwestern St. Louis County. Fenton should get with the future on this one. We do not need a new bridge. We need new trails that connect to the Old Gravois Bridge. We need to keep a safe connection for ALL road users across the Meramac River. Take a page out of Valley Park's book. Capitalize on the asset we do have. We have a wonderful historic structure that spans our river. We have trails and parks that this bridge connects. Why do we want to disconnect them? Isn't Fenton the "City of Parks" after all? Why not make the Old Gravois Bridge a part of our parks?

The bridge will be built. The City of Fenton has been dragging their heels, but there is a group of concerned citizens that have been fighting for the bridge and will see it is completed. The vitality of the Olde Towne Fenton area relies on this bridge.

Just overheard a conversation in a Fenton restaurant that NO new bridge will be built. It makes absolutely no sense to NOT have that bridge.

I do beleve this bridge is open again.

St. Louis County and the City of Fenton have announced plans for a new bridge at this location. It appears that this bridge's days are numbered.

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/stlouiscitycounty/story/BAA7487E474FC2D28625743A001238E4?OpenDocument

its a real pain in the *ss driving around that area with that bridge closed.

The bridge is slated to be demo'd in 2008. A replacement is being discussed for a few years down the road.

This bridge, with a 3-ton weight limit, has now been closed to traffic.

Just received word this bridge is being closed as of 8-2-07.

"The Fenton Area Chamber of Commerce announced today that St. Louis County has decided to close the Old Gravois Road Bridge over the Meramec River effective immediately.

More information is available at 314-615-5000."