January 25, 2023

Friends of Route 66:

As you may or may not be aware, the Route 66 Gasconade bridge in Hazelgreen, Missouri has been closed and endangered for over eight years.  I’m part of a group of determined Route 66 preservationists who have prevented the demolition of the bridge since it closed.  The very moment I learned the bridge would be shut down; I began working to save it.  Supporting my efforts, I had encouragement from an arsenal of Route 66 enthusiasts like you from all over the world.  Despite our persistence, there were many times I thought the fight had been lost.  Literally, the bridge’s future was always uncertain up until recently.  

It turns out, all our fighting has paid off, but the journey isn’t over yet.  We managed a big win over MoDOT last year.  The FHWA heard our pleas, saw the hard work we put into this project, and ultimately ruled in our favor.  The ruling allotted us time and the opportunity to create a transfer agreement that will put possession of the bridge into the hands of The Route 66 Association of Missouri.  MoDOT is willingly working with us to make this a reality.

There are a few minor items our bridge committee is sorting out within that agreement.  The largest hurdle our committee faces is funding.  Now is the time to raise money to secure the bridge’s future.  Never have we had an opportunity like this in the past.  Based on our inspections from several engineers, including MoDOT, we are aiming to raise at least $500,000.00 to stabilize the bridge.  The formula is simple:  If we can get 100 people to pledge a commitment of $5,000.00 or more, we will reach our goals quickly.  Of course, we will be grateful for any amount donated, but we have a short window of time to raise funds and execute work plans on the bridge.  Personally, I’m so confident in our abilities to make this a reality, I am pledging the first $5,000.00 to start this cause.  I am asking friends, businesses, preservationists, and anyone who is able to please help us save this historic, one-of-a-kind bridge.  All donations are completely tax deductible as we are a 501c3 organization.   

You can send your funds or pledge to the PO Box above, or email it to: info@missouri66.org. The Association will assemble all pledges received and maintain a separate account for any funds received.  If we cannot successfully negotiate transfer of ownership from MODOT to the Association, then your funds or pledge will be returned.  Thanks for your support.  Together, we can make history!

Please monitor our progress at Route 66 Association of Missouri - Gasconade-Bridge

Rich Dinkela, President

Route 66 Association of Missouri

314-369-4366

info@missouri66.org

www.missouri66.org             The Main Street of America             facebook.com/missouri66

Download Pledge Form