Missouri–Kansas–Texas Bridge, Railway bridge with vertical lift mechanism in Boonville, United States.
The MKT Bridge is a railway bridge crossing the Missouri River in Boonville and features four steel truss spans with a movable lift section in the middle. This lift span allowed boats to pass underneath while trains traveled above on the tracks.
The bridge was built between 1931 and 1932 to replace an earlier crossing from the 1800s. It represented a modern engineering solution that combined the work of multiple firms specializing in steel structures and mechanical systems.
The bridge represents a connection point between Howard and Cooper counties, serving as a testament to American railway engineering of the 1930s.
The bridge is located in Boonville and is now part of a walking trail network for visitors to explore. The best access is from the local pathways that run alongside the structure and offer good viewing points.
The lift span weighs more than 1200 tons and was designed to raise itself using counterweights rather than motors. This mechanical approach meant the system could operate reliably for decades without complex electrical controls.
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