A ribbon cutting ceremony, sponsored by the Katy Trail Coalition and the City of Boonville, marked the recent completion of Phase 1 of the restoration efforts of the historic MKT Railroad bridge.
The bridge, which spans 408 feet, was built in 1932 and closed to rail traffic in 1986.
In attendance was former Columbia Mayor Darwin Hindman, who praised Gov. Jay Nixon for helping to save the historic bridge. In 2015, a former mayor wanted the bridge dismantled but Nixon filed a suit to stop the efforts. Although the lawsuit was unsuccessful, Nixon was successful enough in delaying the efforts until he was elected Governor. Along with private donations, city revenue, and grant funds, Nixon was successful in obtaining his dream of preserving the historic landmark.
Residents can now walk about a third of the way across the bridge to take in views of the river. The next phase will open the walkway on the other side of the bridge in Howard County. The completion will help put the lift span, which opens the bridge to river traffic, into operation. City officials could benefit from the sales of Promotional Products to help raise additional funds towards the restoration.
Dennis Huff, the engineer who drove the train on its last journey across the bridge, was also in attendance. The event was filmed by Huff’s friend Wayne Lammers, who posted the video on YouTube. The video was filmed close enough to hear the clacking on the rails and see the engineer waving out the window. The train then blows its whistle for a steady minute or two after it passes the bridge, letting residents know its journey is complete.
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