Old Trails National Highway Bridge

Old Trails National Highway Bridge. . Dedication Day One of the first highway bridges over the Missouri River, the Old Trails National Highway Bridge was a significant link in Missouri's transportation system for nearly 75 years. In 1921 Thomas A. Johnston and John Cosgrove, residents of Boonville, led a local effort to construct the bridge. Johnston and Cosgrove formed the Old Trails Bridge Company which raised money by selling stock in the company. , Construction began in March 1922. In October 1922 the Old Trails Bridge Company transferred the bridge project to the Missouri State Highway Commission which secured federal funds and oversaw its completion. Local support was enthusiastic as Cooper and Howard counties both passed bond issues to help finance the construction. , The Old Trails National Highway Bridge consisted of three Pennsylvania through truss spans, each 420 feet long, and three Parker through truss spans, each 280 feet long. Seven large concrete piers supported the main steel spans. Ten spans on the south approach – nine built of concrete and one of steel – were supported by concrete column bents. The monumental structure was over one-half mile in length, measuring 2,666 feet. , [Photo captions] , Top row, left to right: , . Taking over two years to complete, the Old Trails Bridge was dedicated by Missouri Governor Arthur Hyde on July 4, 1924. The total cost of the bridge was over $563,000. One worker was killed during its construction. , . In 1938 a pedestrian walkway was added along the east side of the bridge. Portions of the side rail can be seen in the park. , . The Old Trails Bridge was an important connection on U.S. Route 40 between Kansas City and St. Louis, and Missouri Route 5 connecting the borders of Iowa and Arkansas. , Bottom row, left to right: , . The original timber floor was replaced in 1938 by a deck of steel grating. The new steel deck proved unpopular with motorists because it made steering difficult and dangerous. Sections of the early bridge deck were incorporated into the nearby viewer's platform. , . The engineering firm of Harrington, Howard and Ash designed the Old Trails Bridge and supervised its construction. The Missouri Valley Bridge and Iron Company constructed the seven concrete river piers. The Mount Vernon Bridge Company erected the six steel truss spans. W. J. Cochran and Son of Boonville built the ten south approach spans and laid the original yellow pine timber deck. These individuals are commemorated on two bridge plaques that were fastened on top of the two approaches. One of these plaques can be found on display in this park. , . With the construction of the new bridge in 1997-98 came the end of an era. However, the Old Trails Bridge did not disappear quietly during its demolition in the summer of 1998. , . A plaque honoring Johnston and Cosgrove for their vision and community service was placed on the bridge's south end. It is now preserved in the park. , . The New and Old Trails National Highway Bridges.