Historic Missouri Bridge Reopens for Jeep Run

You just don’t reopen a historic bridge that’s been closed for years for just anybody. Of course, if it’s a run of some 300 Jeeps, it certainly is understandable.

The legendary crossing, known as the Chain Of Rocks Bridge, spans the Mississippi River, linking Madison, Illinois to St. Louis, Missouri. It was once a popular leg of the legendary Route 66.

The nearly 90-year-old bridge was officially closed to vehicle traffic in 1968 and reopened to the public in 1999 as part of the Route 66 Bikeway. But apparently, it’s been years since officials have allowed a string of vehicles like the Jeeps to cross the bridge. Until now.

The Jeep run was sponsored by All-Star Dodge Chrysler Jeep in Bridgeton. The event also included stops at a historic bakery and loading dock. But I imagine the most monumental leg of the route was driving across the Chain of Rocks Bridge with all your fellow Jeepers. Can you imagine?

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Via [FOX 2 News, NPS.gov]