Clark Bridge, Cable-stayed road bridge in Alton, United States
Clark Bridge is a cable-stayed steel structure that spans the Mississippi River between Alton, Illinois and West Alton, Missouri. It provides four traffic lanes alongside dedicated paths for pedestrians and cyclists crossing between the two states.
Construction began in the early 1990s to meet growing transportation needs between the two states along the Mississippi. The bridge was designed as a modern engineering solution to improve travel between Illinois and Missouri.
The bridge marks the border between two states and brings together residents from Illinois and Missouri in daily crossings and shared moments. It has become a symbol of connection between communities that would otherwise feel far apart.
The bridge remains open to traffic throughout the year, though weather conditions can vary by season. Visitors walking or cycling should allow time to enjoy the river views, as the crossing offers extended views of the Mississippi.
The bridge features a distinctive parallel cable pattern that distributes weight evenly across its full length rather than concentrating it at central points. This engineering approach allows the structure to handle heavy loads while maintaining a lean appearance.
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