Eads Bridge 140th Anniversary
One hundred forty years ago the Eads Bridge opened after seven years of construction:
The structure was dedicated 4 July, 1874. It had a double deck structure. The upper deck extended over the entire width with a vehicular roadway and two pedestrian walkways. In 1947, this deck was replaced with concrete filled “I Beam Lok” and the roadway was widened to 41 feet. The original highway deck had consisted of treated gum flooring and wood stringers supported on steel floor beams. There were two “street car” tracks at floor level. The trolleys stopped running on the bridge in 1935, and the track work was removed in 1942. (St. Louis History — recommended!)
Wow, wood flooring!
Hopefully civic leaders will come up with a great way to celebrate the Eads Bridge on its 150th a decade from now. Happy Birthday America & Eads Bridge!!
— Steve Patterson