The Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site closed on Christmas Eve in preparation for a move of the bridge to a new location. The Missouri State Parks announced the bridge will move to Pershing State Park.
Along with the historic site’s closure, the Locust Creek Boardwalk and Riparian Trail in the day-use area at Pershing State Park is also closed
Before World War I, the bridge was once a link over Locust Creek on America’s first transcontinental road, Route 8. Cars gradually replaced horse-drawn wagons and buggies, and in 1930, U.S. Highway 36 replaced Route 8, and Locust Creek Covered Bridge would no longer house a transcontinental road.
The State Parks system says that today, the road across Locust Creek Covered Bridge is not the only thing missing. Most of Locust Creek’s channel was straightened following World War II, leaving the bridge spanning a dry creek bed. Currently, Locust Creek Covered Bridge is in danger of being damaged beyond repair if actions are not taken due to the instability of the watershed.
To preserve this historic landmark, the bridge will be moved to Pershing State Park and be placed over water once again. The move is scheduled for the end of January to the first of February, depending on the weather.
