04/11/2026
This is one of our favorite places along a classic route. The loss of this landmark is devastating to us. The hopes that it would end up somewhere within our scope is pretty far out there but we shall see. 💛💛💛
The Mark Twain National Forest is currently seeking alternative use proposals from the public and those who may have a demonstrated interest in the historical bridge structure that carries Red Bridge Road over Bull Creek in Christian County, Missouri. The bridge will need to be taken out and replaced with a modern one to safely serve public needs.
Red Bridge is a single lane, pinned Pratt pony truss bridge built by the Canton Bridge Company in 1915 (Figure 1). The structure was determined to be eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Missouri Historic Bridge List in 2003. However, the Missouri Department of Transportation has determined that Red Bridge has far exceeded its safe, functional lifespan and it is currently closed.
The closure has meant long detours for locals and visitors to the area; therefore, replacement is needed. Christian County is proposing to replace Red Bridge with a modern structure to be built on a new approach roadway this year. New bridge construction will require the removal of the historic structure.
In consultation with the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office and other partners, the Forest Service has determined that bridge removal would comprise an “adverse effect” requiring effects mitigation. Stipulation II (B) of the 2008 Programmatic Agreement Among the Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri State Historic Preservation Officer, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation for the Realignment of Historic Properties on the Mark Twain National Forest (as amended), recommends the agency seeks out parties with a demonstrated interest in the project and considers all comments and feasible proposals for alternative use prior to making a final management decision.
Potential alternative uses for the bridge may include, but are not limited to, relocation, re-use of bridge components to help restore similar structures, and/or material salvage.
If you have an interest in the project, would like to comment, or have an alternative use proposal for the agency to consider, please reach out to James Halpern, Shared Service Archeologist, Mark Twain National Forest, at [email protected] by close of business on April 24, 2026.