Poplar Street Bridge, Interstate bridge across Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and East St. Louis, Illinois.
The Poplar Street Bridge is a highway crossing over the Mississippi River that connects Interstate 55 and Interstate 64 between Missouri and Illinois. It has nine lanes and is a major traffic link between St. Louis and East St. Louis.
The bridge was built in 1967 and required land from the Gateway Arch National Park area. The project marked a significant moment in regional infrastructure development.
The bridge was renamed in 2013 to honor William L. Clay Sr., an early African-American congressman from Missouri. The name reflects his political impact and significance to the region.
The bridge sees heavy daily traffic and becomes congested during rush hours. Drivers should plan their crossing times flexibly and exercise caution during poor weather conditions.
The bridge crosses near the former Bloody Island, where Missouri politicians fought duels in the 1800s. This forgotten chapter of regional history remains largely unseen, yet shapes the historical weight of the location.
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