Route 66 - Colorado River
Arch bridge at Route 66 Colorado River crossing.
Route 66 crossing at the Colorado River had several incarnations. The old Arch Bridge couldn't handle the traffic and was abandoned and eventually converted into a support for a gas line. The Red Rock Railroad Bridge was converted for highway use in 1947. All that remains of the bridge is a couple foundations.
The Route 66 crossing over the Colorado River indeed had a fascinating evolution! Initially, the Arch Bridge handled the traffic flow, but as Route 66 gained popularity, the bridge became overwhelmed. Eventually, it was abandoned and repurposed as support for a gas line.
In 1947, the Red Rock Railroad Bridge took over, originally built for rail but adapted to support road traffic. It served travelers along Route 66 until it, too, was eventually retired. Now, only a few concrete foundations remain, hinting at where this vital crossing once stood, carrying countless cars and travelers on their way west.
