Champ Clark Bridge

The Champ Clark Bridge is a steel truss bridge carrying U.S. Route 54 across the Mississippi River between Louisiana, Missouri and Pike County, Illinois. The structure uses a latticed steel framework typical of truss designs built in the early 20th century.

The original steel structure opened in 1928 and served the region for nearly a century before a new bridge replaced it in 2019. The transition to modern infrastructure marked the end of the first generation crossing.

The bridge takes its name from James Beauchamp Clark, a Missouri politician who served as Speaker of the House. His name marks this crossing as part of the region's political heritage.

The bridge accommodates regular vehicle traffic on U.S. Route 54 and provides direct passage between the two states. Visitors exploring the region can use this route to connect both sides of the Mississippi.

During construction of the original bridge in 1927, a section collapsed due to faulty temporary supports, resulting in one death and one injury. This accident was a dramatic moment in the structure's building history.

Location: Illinois

Location: Missouri

Inception: June 1928

Official opening: 1928

GPS coordinates: 39.45670,-91.04780

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:24