Happy Birthday, Chain of Rocks Bridge!
Shannon Howard | Jun 23, 2010 | Comments 0
Built in 1929 as a tollway over the Mississippi River, the Chain of Rocks Bridge once carried traffic along the infamous U.S. Route 66. Spanning 5,353 feet and boasting an unusual 22-degree bend, it was closed to vehicles in 1967 and once faced demolition, but in 1998 Trailnet and the Confluence Greenway spent millions renovating the bridge and got it named to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, Chain of Rocks is one of the longest bicycle and pedestrian bridges in the world! And this Sunday, with the help of Trailnet, it will officially celebrate its 81st birthday!
Bikers and walkers of all ages are invited to Bridge Birthday Bash, which kicks off at 8:30am and features a little something for everyone. Cyclists can choose from three scenic rides – 17, 34 or 50 miles through Madison County, IL – while walkers can participate in a sanctioned Volksmarch over five or 10 kilometers. Then it’s back to the bridge for cake, ice cream, Schlafly beer and music from the Pocketchange Blues Band.
Fees for the bike ride are $8 for Trailnet members, $12 for non-members and $3 for children. The walk is free (with map provided), unless you want your walking log stamped for $3. And yes, secure parking will be available. So come on out and get active, NoCo!
Bridge Birthday Bash will be held at 10950 Riverview Drive, 63137, on Sunday, June 27. Registration starts at 8:30am.
Filed Under: Outdoor Fun
Are you getting ready for the big day? NOCO is a proud sponsor of the 3rd annual Live Well Ferguson 5K