Missouri–Kansas–Texas Bridge facts for kids
The Missouri–Kansas–Texas Bridge, often called the Katy Bridge, is a special bridge in Boonville, Missouri. It crosses the Missouri River, connecting Howard and Cooper counties. This bridge used to carry trains. Now, it is becoming part of the long Katy Trail, which is a popular path for biking and walking.
Building the Katy Bridge
The Katy Bridge was built between 1931 and 1932. It was known as MKT Bridge No. 191.1. The Missouri–Kansas–Texas Railroad built it to replace an older bridge from 1873.
This bridge is a type called a truss bridge. It has strong metal frameworks, or "trusses," that support the main part over the water. The middle section of the bridge can also lift up. This allowed tall boats to pass underneath. Several companies worked together to build this impressive structure.
From Trains to Trails
Over time, the train line that used the bridge was taken over by the Union Pacific Railroad. Later, Union Pacific decided they no longer needed the train line.
In 1987, people who loved biking saw a great opportunity. They worked out a plan to turn the old train line into a "rail trail." A rail trail is a path for bikes and walkers that follows an old railroad line. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources agreed to manage this new trail. It would stretch from St. Charles to Clinton. This trail became known as the Katy Trail.
Saving the Bridge
In 2004, the United States Coast Guard said the unused bridge was a problem for boats on the river. They told Union Pacific to take it down. Union Pacific started making plans to move parts of the bridge to Jefferson City. They wanted to use it for a new bridge there.
But people who loved the Katy Trail found out about these plans. They worried that if the bridge was taken down, the whole Katy Trail might be lost. They thought the land might have to go back to its original owners. So, they started a big effort to save the bridge.
At first, the state government, under Governor Bob Holden, planned to take care of the bridge. But in 2005, the next governor, Matt Blunt, stopped those plans. He said it would cost too much money, between $3 million and $11 million, to make the bridge ready for trail use.
The state's Attorney General, Jay Nixon, then took legal action. He wanted to make sure the state would follow the original agreement to take over the bridge.
Finally, on February 4, 2010, Jay Nixon, who was now the governor, announced good news. Union Pacific would give the bridge to the city of Boonville. The city plans to fix up the bridge and make it a part of the Katy Trail. This means bikers and walkers will soon be able to cross the Missouri River on this historic bridge!
