New Chain of Rocks Bridge

The New Chain of Rocks Bridge is a major crossing over the Mississippi River linking Illinois and Missouri via Interstate 270. It carries multiple lanes of traffic across the river and serves as a crucial connection between the two states.

The bridge opened in 1966 as a replacement for the original Chain of Rocks Bridge to handle growing traffic demands. It became part of the Interstate 270 system, modernizing the river crossing for state-to-state movement.

The bridge structure represents a transition in American transportation infrastructure, marking the shift from narrow historic bridges to wider interstate crossings.

The bridge is accessed via Interstate 270 and connects to major roads in both states year-round. Traffic conditions vary depending on the time of day and season, with heavier congestion during typical rush hours.

Near the bridge stand two water intake towers from the 1800s and the original Chain of Rocks Bridge, which was converted into a pedestrian path. This older structure allows visitors to experience an earlier era of bridge engineering firsthand.

Location: Missouri

Location: Illinois

GPS coordinates: 38.76470,-90.17360

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41