Eads Bridge is a combined rail, spanning across the Mississippi River flowing through St Louis connects St Louis, and East St Louis, Illinois, and was named after the person who constructed the bridge, James Eads. The bridge was made of ribbed steel arches with cantilever support and pneumatic caissons. Unfortunately, this bridge also became infamous for the first outbreak of "caissons disease". The bridge became an icon when the arch gateway was constructed and is used for road traffic primarily and light rail transport across the bridge.

Being one of the oldest bridges that is still in use, on should never miss the opportunity to cross the bridge while visiting Mississippi. The upper level where the road traffic now occurs is the one that was initially built for passage of horse carriages and buggy traffic. Later the bridge was remodeled to stand the St Louis traffic of cars and heavy vehicles, while the lower level was built for light railroad traffic. There are websites where you can find any answer for any question about Eads Bridge.

The Eads Bridge has a number of innovative works other than the cantilever support and pneumatic caissons. The damaged part of the bridge could be removed and repaired without fixing up a false support to the bridge, the two levels of the bridge and much more most of them being patented and is worth a visit and photo that you have traveled across.

You may never know that you may bump on an unusual surprise in St Louis Eads Bridge standing near one of the wonders of this bridge.

St. Louis offers a number of bridges and some of them enjoy deep rooted history. Topping the list of these historic bridges is the Eads Bridge over the might Mississippi connecting St. Louis with Illinois. With its origins dating back to 1874 the name of the bridge comes from its builder and designer James B.Eads. For an overview of the details of this bridge please go here:

Eads bridge

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eads_Bridge

For a list of all the bridges available for you to explore, you should visit the following website:

St. Louis bridges

http://bridgehunter.com/mo/st-louis-city/

An interesting fact associated with this bridge is that upon completion of the construction work, an elephant was employed to 'test' the strength of the bridge. The test obviously was successful and the bridge has served St. Louis and Illinois through several summers since then. The test however was prompted by the belief that elephants have the instinct to steer clear from unsafe structures.

Away from the historic facts and structural details, the Eads Bridge stretching over 1964 meters is a beauty in itself. The bridge has a separate track for pedestrians apart from the ones for automobiles and locomotives. Taking a self guided walking tour along the Eads is among the best ways to enjoy the beholding beauty of the mighty Mississippi and all that she holds on her lap. Timing this walk towards the later part of the evening will ensure that you also get a view of the splendidly lit skyline at both ends of the Eads. Yet another historic bridge in St. Louis that you may want to explore is the Martin Luther King Bridge. Detailed information on this bridge can be gathered from here:

Martin Luther King Bridge, St. Louis

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King_Bridge_(St._Louis)

St. Louis Walking Tours

http://stlouis.about.com/od/neighborhoodscities/ss/Southampton.htm

http://stlouis.about.com/od/neighborhoodscities/ss/The_Hill_Tour.htm