For decades, Route 66 transported motorists thousands of miles across the nation, from Chicago to Los Angeles. Today, Route 66 is a cherished piece of American history – a portion of which, long abandoned and partially demolished, crosses the Meramec River in Missouri’s Route 66 State Park. 

A coalition of historic preservation groups, parks staff, and recreation enthusiasts are dedicated to restoring this historic bridge; both as a showpiece to American history and as transportation route (albeit for hikers, cyclists, and boaters, rather than for motorists).

Together with our project partners, Planning Design Studio created a vision for the revitalized bridge, captured in a series of illustrations, that were grounded in the engineering and costs realities of bringing the structure back to life. The plan restores the historic truss support structure, replaces the demolished deck and railings with modern-day replicas, and infuses history by creating overlooks with momentous Route 66 artifacts and interpretive signs.