Washington Bridge

Washington Bridge is a highway bridge carrying Route 47 across the Missouri River in Washington, Missouri. It features dedicated pedestrian and bicycle paths alongside the roadway, allowing foot and bike traffic to cross separately from vehicles.

The original bridge was built in 1934 with a cantilever design featuring five spans and operated as a toll crossing until 1951. A new structure opened in 2018 to replace the aging infrastructure and improve traffic flow across the river.

Local residents attempted to preserve the former bridge for pedestrian use, reflecting the structure's importance to the communities on both sides of the Missouri River.

The bridge is open daily to vehicle, foot, and bicycle traffic, offering a direct crossing over the Missouri River. Be aware of weather conditions, as rain and wind can affect visibility and safety, especially on the pedestrian and cycling paths.

The original structure featured five spans in its cantilever design, which differed from the more common three-span configurations of that era. This engineering choice made it a notable example of construction methods used during the 1930s.