M.B. HENRY 
Route 66 Series: Love Can Build a Bridge
Is it me, or are bridges kind of fantastic? I don’t mean the concrete behemoth interstate overpasses, which are marvels of engineering, but not always the prettiest to look at. I mean the charming, rusty, old-fashioned bridges on the much quieter highways. Bridges over bubbling streams, shaded by lush, whispering trees. Covered bridges with leaning sheds and calendar-worthy photo ops. Bridges that have passed out of history but not our hearts.
It’s a sin that I lived in Iowa for years and never saw the Bridges of Madison County, either the movie or the real version. But I have seen some pretty amazing bridges in my day. Europe boasted a good many. I’ve passed over the famous Brooklyn Bridge and San Francisco’s Golden Gate. The legendary London bridges have also seen my shoes shuffling over their ancient structures.
But I have to say, some of the prettiest bridges I have ever seen were tucked away on old Route 66, barely noticed anymore by the fast-paced world around them. Absolutely charming works of art, with rusted beams, gorgeous trusses, and delicate overhangs. Many can’t support cars anymore, but they still stand as a testament to the travelers they have ushered from one shore to the next over time. And they still welcome foot traffic, gazes from the occasional tourists, and photographers.
As we prepare to move from the terrifying Covid crisis to a post-pandemic world, I thought a tour of the Route 66 bridges was just the ticket. A symbolic way for me, and hopefully you, to start the mental shift from staying home, masking up, and social distancing to timidly taking our first steps over the bridge to a new normal. One I hope will see us taking better care of one another and the world around us. So, without further ado, here are some bridge highlights from our drive across the Old Mother Road.
And rather than saving the best for last, I think I’ll drop it for you right up front. One of the first bridges we encountered on 66, the Sugar Creek Covered Bridge is a page right out of the classiest postcard book. Situated nicely in a wooded area of Illinois, it’s more like something you’d see in a travel magazine than a quiet, practically abandoned corner of America’s Heartland. Built in 1880, it’s also one of the oldest covered bridges in Illinois. You can’t drive across it, since it sprung up before cars were really a thing. But as you can see, walking through it is more than enough.
The next bridge we found was the Big Piney Bridge, or “Devil’s Elbow Bridge” – a curious name for such a pretty spot. But once upon a time, the sharp curve in the river down below proved more than a pain in the elbow for local loggers. When the interstate bypassed Route 66, Devil’s Elbow Bridge fell into disrepair and became just as dangerous as the river. It wasn’t until 2013 that the nearby town restored it, bringing it up to all the modern safety codes without ditching any of that old-timey charm. Thanks to their efforts, it was one satanic hinge I felt quite peaceful walking on, with the Big Piney River underneath me, and the trees blowing in the wind up above.
And that brought us into Kansas, a state the 66 barely clips on the Southeastern corner. It’s easy to speed right through this tiny fraction of the Old Highway, but there’s a very special bridge that’s hard to ignore. It’s official name is Brush Creek Bridge, but Route 66 enthusiasts call it the “Marsh Arch.” A term inspired by its designer, Mr. James Barney Marsh. He actually built three of these bridges in Kansas, all with the unique “wagon wheel” arches on the sides. As both cars and the world started moving faster, developers destroyed two of these bridges to make room for more modern throughfares. But the Kansas Historic Route 66 Association fought long and hard to save the third and final Marsh Arch from the wrecking ball. Their efforts succeeded and the bridge has enjoyed a place on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983. Thank Goodness, because it allowed me to see the only remaining piece of James Barney Marsh’s rare Route 66 legacy.
Then came the Pryor Creek Bridge (featured image) – just one fine example of some of the rusty, historic old truss bridges to be found on Route 66. Summer had it looking extra gorgeous, framed with green foliage and shaded from the hot August sun. The bridge was originally built in 1926, when the Historic Route first opened. However, it’s delicate, diagonal beams and overhangs didn’t last long against the elements. It closed in 1932 and hasn’t seen any car traffic since. However, one can still safely walk across and take pictures. And its appearance makes you feel a bit like you’re walking through a time tunnel.
Rock Creek Bridge, nestled in the backroads of the small Oklahoma town of Sapulpa, was also built in the 1920s. And while it may not always impress the travelers of today, it provided a stunning truss-bridge experience during the peak of 66 travel. Especially with its red brick decking, quite rare in bridges built around that time. And don’t be fooled by its tender looks. Rock Creek Bridge has survived the test of time, and is one of the few scenic bridges still open to any light traffic that can clear the low-lying beams. Don’t be shy, give it a drive, and don’t forget to stop and take a photo.
In Tulsa resides another handsome Oklahoma cross over – the 11th Street Bridge, more commonly known as the Cyrus S. Avery Memorial Bridge (you might recognize that name from my post about the origins of Route 66. For a refresher, click here). This bridge first saw construction in 1916, before Route 66 had even germinated in wily Cy’s mind. Builders widened it in 1929 to make room for the swelling traffic on the symbolic “east meets west” part of the Mother Road. But unlike its skeletal truss counterpart in Sapulpa, this mighty work of concrete has been closed to traffic and cars since 1980. However, it is a proud member of the National Register of Historic Places, and a lovely, photogenic part of the “Cy Avery Plaza” memorial to honor Route 66’s creator.
And Oklahoma sure took the cake for impressive bridges, because another one captured our hearts in this very hot, hard-to-navigate state. The Lake Overholser Bridge, just outside of Oklahoma City and crossing the North Canadian River, is one of the largest surviving truss bridges of the Mother Road. Its reddish hue provides a stunning photo op with the blue river running under it, and the green grass sprinkled all around (provided the grass hasn’t browned from the staggering Oklahoma heat). It also remains open to any traffic that can clear the four-span camel-back trusses. It was a windy, hot day when we visited that bridge, but we still stopped for photographs and immensely enjoyed driving over it.
And last but certainly not least is the famed William H. Murray Bridge, better known as the “Pony Truss Bridge.” People come from all over the place to see this amazing work of bridge art, and it pops up as a prime feature on many Route 66 travel guides. The Oklahoma Highway Commission once called this super-stunner of a bridge the “most pretentious engineering project ever undertaken.” Perhaps because of its nearly 4,000 foot span, crowning it the longest truss bridge (by far) on the entire Route 66, and the route’s second-longest bridge over all. A bridge so long that when you stand on one end, you can’t even see the other. Then there’s the 38 (count them!) craftily engineered pony trusses on each side. And the strong, paved highway underneath it supported traffic from the small to the large for decades. Since there’s no side space, I wouldn’t recommend crossing it on foot. But there is ample room before you mount the bridge to stand safely off to the side and snap a photo. And you might want to do so quickly. Because sadly, this bridge may be closing to traffic in the very near future. Plagued with deterioration and constant upkeep, state officials think it would be much safter as a monument than a throughfare. And hey, now you might be able to safely walk across it – if you have that much energy anyway!
They say that love can build a bridge. Well, with some of the amazing pieces of architecture we saw on Route 66, it has to take something powerful to bring these ideas off the page and into real life. These beautiful bridges, and so many more, captured our imaginations for our entire drive down Route 66, and I swear you can feel the architects’ passion and artistry pouring out of the beams. Even today, they still draw onlookers to their charm and craftsmanship. They usher you onto a quieter shore, where people slow down to smell the roses and admire something beautiful together.
And no matter how fraught the times are, I will always prefer building bridges to building walls. Working together to keep all traffic on the road. To keep things from really collapsing.
I hope you have enjoyed this tour of the Bridges of the Mother Road. As we cross our own bridge into a new time, breaking out of our homes and rubbing our Covid-weary eyes, I wish you safe and happy travels. Wherever the road and its lovely bridges may take you.
SOURCES
Route 66 Travel
“Route 66 Crossings: Historic Bridges of the Mother Road” – J. Ross
“Route 66 Road Trip” – Moon/C. Taylor
“Route 66: The Mother Road” – M. Wallis
Route66news.com
All photos by M.B. Henry. For more from our journey down Route 66, click here.
Gorgeous. They literally do not make bridges like that anymore. 🙁
Yeah they sure don’t! I’m glad we took the trip down that old highway, you can still get your kicks on and off the bridges 🙂
Lol.
Briliantlly worded an essay on bridges. I am with you on that. Thank you.
Joanna
Glad you enjoyed it
I love bridges too, MB – and America is full of them! I have seen ‘The Bridges of Madison County’ but have yet to see a covered bridge. There is a HGTV program on just now with Ben and Erin doing up an old town in Alabama. The bridge over the river is sensational – worth a trip.
We drove across the Keys from Miami and they were spectacular, if a tad scary at times. Great post!
Ooooh those bridges to the keys do look a bit dicey in the photos I’ve seen! I have actually crossed (on foot) TWO bridges from the “World’s Ten Scariest Bridges” list – something I may post about sometime! Agreed that there are some amazing bridges here in the USA, can’t wait to explore more of them
You have to drive slowly across all of the Keys but it is the endless green of the water that is scary… There are some scary bridges in Louisiana across swamps. Perfect setting for a horror movie!
Oh gosh I bet those Louisiana bridges are fun!! As for the endless green water… *gulp* that does sound scary!
🌊
I love bridges and these are all spectacular! Thanks for all of the history! About those Bridges of Madison County – We spent a few days in Winterset and visited all of them!
I really need to get on that. Now that I live closer, no more excuses!! Glad you enjoyed the post.
Bridges are definitely kind of fantastic!
🙂 I completely agree!
What beautiful bridges you have showcased. I live bridges. Bridges of Madison County is one of my favourite books and Meryl Streep and Clint Eastwood did a fantastic job in the film. There is one scene when she’s on the phone and absent mindly picks lint off his shoulder and it’s just so electric. You should read the book and then watch the film
Oh gosh I didn’t even know it was a book before it was a movie! I do love reading so I will definitely add it to my list.
Haha really ..well I hope you enjoy it after my recommendation!
An amazing overview, MB! Loved your bridge descriptions and photos!
Great collection, MB! Thanks. I’m a fan of old bridges, too. I visited the Bridges of Madison County when I was doing my genealogical work. My great grandfather lived there for a while. Probably right around when they were being built. John Wayne spent a portion of his childhood there as well. During the Great Depression, my father worked for CCC building bridges. A number of classics were built then.
If you get to Oregon, Highway 1010 along the coast has a whole series of truly classical bridges.
And finally, we have a covered bridge about three miles from our house. –Curt
We have a covered bridge very close to our new house as well! I haven’t made it over there for photographs – thinking I might wait for fall to get all the pretty leaves with it. And Oregon is high on my list of travel priorities – the only Western continental state I haven’t been to yet!
You are in for a treat in Oregon, MB. Let me know if you are coming this way and I will make recommendations. 🙂
When you are coming this way, let me know, MB. I’ll be glad to share recommendations! And lunch would be fun if you make it to our neck of the woods. –Curt
Sorry for this second comment, MB. WP wasn’t showing that I responded. But then, WP has been strange as of late. 🙂
But lunch would be fun!
I definitely want to go to Oregon someday and would love to meet up if/when we do! 🙂 And I hear you on the WordPress bugs, I’ve had a lot of issues lately as well!
You are the third person I know who has traveled parts of Route 66 this year! Who knows you may have passed them along the way. It’s also sad you never got to Madison County!
Well – I actually traveled the route back in 2019, I just still like to write about it 🙂 🙂 But yes I feel like I’ve seen a lot of people I know traveling the old road this year! Probably because it’s a bit more isolated and Covid safe! I have family back in Iowa so I still have time to see Madison County! Must get a move on that.
Fantastic post and pictures, friend
Thanks so much!
I am drawn to covered bridges and there are quite a few where in the West. Nice photography.
Covered bridges are especially magical – there’s one by our new house I want to bring my camera to soon!
A very cool post.
Thank you!
Blessings.
Bridges are special! There is one not far from my back door and I cross it nearly everyday. It takes me to wherever my mind wants to go! I enjoyed your post – thanks for sharing.
Sounds like a lovely bridge 🙂 🙂
Fantastic collection…. Bridges are connectors.
Yes they are! <3
Some great looking bridges. Love the variety and the character of these.
Sooo many great bridges on the 66, we only scratched the surface of seeing all of them. I’m not opposed to doing the entire route again someday and hitting up some of the stuff we had to miss!
Beautiful photos, thank you for sharing.
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Love this post M.B, the bridges are so cool. On my bucket list!
I imagine you would take some gorgeous pictures on Route 66! 🙂
I would try!! 🙂
What a wonderful, lyrical paean to bridges, MB. The photos are fantastic, too. I was working in Canadian, Texas, some years back and they have a bridge to rival that last one in length, but is is strictly for pedestrians now. There really isn’t a trail on either end. People just go out and walk back and forth. It’s sort of like cruising, but in foot. I thought it was so charming!
That sounds really cool! 🙂 I imagine the Pony Truss will soon be pedestrians-only from the reading I’ve seen lately. I can’t lie I would be a bit interested in trying to walk across it, but maybe on a cooler day! 🙂
So, how is the book/agent thing going? Any good prospects for publication yet?
Yes! I have a book deal actually with Alcove Press – tentative release date is March 2022. 🙂 🙂
Woot woot!!!! Congratulations 🎉🍾🎈
Thanks very much! 🙂 <3
Great post, MB! There is something wonderful about our older bridges and I am glad some have been restored and not replaced with boring, reinforced concrete. I can think of three bridges in our area, 2 iron and one wooden covered bridge, that have been restored in recent decades. The CB is only 1/4 mile away and we use it every day. My son jokes that we live in a ‘gated community’ because we must pass through it to get here. 😉
Haha he has a point from the sounds of it! I’ve definitely found some bridges close to our new home that I would love to explore and photograph, one being a lovely covered bridge close to town.
A wonderful post! Thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Interesting and beautiful pics of bridges!
So glad you liked it!
What a good idea to focus on bridges as a subject for a blog post. The older I get the more I value old architecture
It is very absorbing! 🙂
Wonderful!!
I do love the old bridges and have seen some pretty amazing works of architecture in my travels.
Some of the prettiest are right here in the upstate of South Carolina where Pretty is from – we used to picnic beside the old bridges. One of them has been well preserved and have tables for picnics and a walk in the shallow stream that flows under it.
Oooh I bet the Carolinas have some very lovely bridges! I need to spend a little more time over there, haven’t been since I was a kid!
Nothing could be finer.
Great tour of vintage bridges – thanks!
Glad you enjoyed!
🌉🌉🌉
✨🙏🕉🌱🌿🌳🌻💚🕊☯🐉✨
🙂
Beautiful! What a beautiful trip you took. And what a fabulous post all about it and it’s rich history! Thank you!
We have many beautiful bridges on the back roads around this area…driving into Ohio from Pennsylvania. Or into New York.
Thanks for sharing!
Oh I know that area quite well, having spent a lot of time in Ohio when I was a kid. It’s really nice out there! New York I’m not as familiar with though, I’ve only been to the big city! So glad you enjoyed the post.
I love seeing all of your old bridges! I thing the rusty patina adds to their character. You must have had a wonderful trip!
It was a truly remarkable trip – one of my favorites we’ve ever taken and we’ve been a lot of places! Can’t wait to hit the road again one of these days 🙂
Are you all settled in and feel at home in your new location?
We are definitely settling in and enjoying the Midwest! Although the pace isn’t as slow as I thought it would be. I think everyone is excited to be out and about post-Covid!
Wonderful!
Fascinating! And that is an impressive array of bridges – many, with their lattice of steelwork, so unlike the bridges we have here. I really hope the new normal will see us taking better care of one another and the world around us!
Me too! <3 I'm so glad you enjoyed the post!
What great bridges and memories! Love your composition and framing of the Sugar Creek Bridge. 😊
Thanks so much! I thought you especially might enjoy this post
I sure did! 😊
It’s not you, M.B., they ARE fantastic. Especially the poetic ones that cross “over bubbling streams, shaded by lush, whispering trees.” Thank you for taking us along.
🙂 🙂 So very glad you enjoyed the post!
Thank you so much for this interesting tour of Route 66 bridges! I agree! The older bridges have much more character.
I am so glad you enjoyed it and that you too find the charm in old bridges! 🙂
You’ll find no bigger fan of obsolete engineering than me! Loved this.
🙂 🙂 You would love some of the bridges on that old Route!
I love bridges. They always lead somewhere. I love the architecture as well. Amazing.
They do always lead somewhere! 🙂 I love that viewpoint. Very glad you enjoyed the post
They’re all unique and beautiful. Great you had fun with these powerful bridges.
We had a great time on that entire Route! It’s a pretty unique stretch of travel. So glad you enjoyed the post
Here I am, just catching up, and laughing to know I’m not alone. I grew up in Iowa, and I’ve never seen the bridges of Madison County — or the film, for that matter. I’ve never seen a covered bridge, but I certainly love those old metal bridges. I fear I’ve become a little jaded about Route 66, but this sort of journey appeals to me. I’m so glad you decided that they made a fitting subject for a post. There are some interesting bridges tucked away in Texas, too — and some fine bridge remnants. If the weather ever clears again and I get some time, I want to re-visit our “piano bridge” — a really old one that ‘sang’ when people crossed over it.
And speaking of Route 66, I thought of you when I read this article about the Glenrio Pontiac. Did you happen to see it in your travels?
I believe we did see that car, as it looks awfully familiar! Those are some great photos in that link too. What part of Iowa did you grow up in? I grew up in a small town outside Hiawatha (Eastern Iowa).
I love, LOVE the bridge in Tulsa. I’ve never seen anything quite like that design.
It is very unique, isn’t it? I wished we could walk across it but they don’t even let foot traffic on it anymore.
Great trip idea. I love these old bridges and your photos and words provided a great virtual tour. thanks.
So glad you enjoyed it!
I can see that route 66 is deeply imbedded in your heart, thanks for the background on these!
🙂 Yes – it definitely is. We had a wonderful time on that old road. Someday I’d like to go back and do it again! 🙂
then I hope you get the opportunity, and I’m sure you’ll see even more!
Wow! This is an incredible post. I could really feel the bridges in your writing. Just looking at the photos made me relax and smile. There is nothing like the old, quiet two lane roads to make the blood pressure go down and the smile go up. Thanks so much for your wonderful story!! 🙂
I completely agree!!! 🙂
Beautiful, symbolic imagery. Here’s to better times ahead!
Yes, I certainly hope so!! <3
Nice photos.
Thank you!
Your site is fascinating, like history.
Thanks very much! 🙂