The McKinley Bridge opened in 1910. It was deemed structurally unsafe and closed in October of 2001. There are plans to re-open the bridge to cars and pedestrians in 2007. I discovered the bridge on one of my many trips through East St. Louis a couple of years ago. My first trip was on a warm fall day in 2003. I wasn't terribly interested in crossing an abandoned bridge, but I found the experience to be rather calming.
The bridge offers a peaceful view of the Mississippi and downtown St. Louis. I have since made several return trips to the bridge and have enjoyed each one of them. The bridge is particularly intriguing at night. The mammoth blocks that support the bridge are accessible and offer an interesting view of the river for those who are willing to climb (and those who can stomach unprotected heights).
More Information:
McKinley to reopen in 2007
McKinley - information and pictures
McKinley Bridge Structure Reconstruction Project
The Merchant of Venice (1999)
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