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Old Chain of Rocks Bridge break-ins

If you're planning to do some biking, walking or viewing of bald eagles on the historic Old Chain of Rocks Bridge over the Mississippi River, don't plan on parking on the Missouri side of the river -- at least for now.

Trailnet -- the St. Louis nonprofit agency that leases the bridge from the city of Madison, Ill., and operates the bridge -- announced Monday that the St. Louis parking lot has been closed.

In Sunday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch, "On Your Side" columnist Matthew Hathaway reported on the rash of vandalism and car thefts at the Missouri parking lot. Here's the first three paragraphs of the column:

The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge may be the best place in town to take in stunning views of the Mississippi River. Last month, the National Park Service agreed and listed the 78-year-old span on the National Register of Historic Places.

Pity is that it's hard to take in the vistas midway over the 5,353-foot-long pedestrian bridge while keeping an eye on your car parked on the Missouri side. There is no security there and, not surprisingly, break-ins are common. It's so bad that St. Louis police posted signs warning visitors to keep valuables locked in their trunks.

Petty criminals may not be the brightest of the bunch, but they often are literate. And, usually, they know that most trunks can be opened from the inside, once you smash through the driver's side window.

The column goes on to describe a St. Louis County family's recent experience on the bridge, in which a thief broke into the car, popped the trunk and stole two purses. One of the women told the Post-Dispatch that the break-in was the fifth one reported that day.

On Monday, Trailnet Executive Director Ann Rivers Mack responded to the Post-Dispatch article. Here's the text of that response:

TO: Post Dispatch Editorial Staff
We at Trailnet value the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge as a tremendous asset to our region. We have invested significant capital into making Bridge improvements and are also invested in ensuring parking safety. We are extremely frustrated with the difficulties in addressing car break-ins at the Bridge.

Over the last six months, we have taken a number of steps to address parking including a three-season parking attendant (at a significant loss to Trailnet); warnings on our website; alerting 4,000+ e-Newsletter subscribers; and additional warning signs installed at the Bridge. Vandalism none-the-less continues and we are working on a long-term plan.

Currently, we are in discussions with Madison, IL and St. Louis Police and have closed the Missouri parking lot. The bridge continues to be open daily to walkers and cyclists.

Trailnet does not have the resources to continue to manage this community asset without long-term partners. In 2006, public funds represented less than 12% of our total budget. Given that Trailnet does not own the Bridge or parking lot, Bridge management plans include increasing regional stakeholder investment. These investments will better assure that the Bridge functions as a sustainable, safe and enjoyable venue for years to come.

We will update our website regularly on monitored parking and Bridge management plans.

Hathaway wrote a column about Trailnet's response in today's Post-Dispatch with the headline "Old Chain of Rocks Bridge: Odd solution." Hathaway is skeptical about Trailnet's temporary solution:

Trailnet is in the business of building trails and promoting walking and cycling. It isn't an anti-crime group. Still, Trailnet's solution to the break-ins seems hopelessly naive.

People willing to smash a car window may not be morally squeamish about mugging pedestrians and cyclists on the Missouri approach to the bridge — especially if a closed parking lot means fewer people will visit the bridge and those who do will be more vulnerable.

The Illinois lot for the bridge remains open. To get there from Missouri, take Interstate 270 across the Mississippi and the Chain of Rocks canal to Illinois Route 3 (Exit 3A). Take Route 3 south to Chain of Rocks Road. Turn right on Chain of Rocks Road, and cross the canal bridge. The road dead-ends at the parking lot for the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge.

You may be wondering why the city of Madison, Ill., is involved in the bridge. The bridge was built in 1929 as a toll bridge and purchased by the city in 1939. The city operated it as a toll bridge until 1968, and it once carried historic Route 66 over the river. The Road Wanderer Web site gives a pretty good overview of the bridge.

Labels: cycling, hiking, Old Chain of Rocks Bridge, safety, Trailnet, trails

Roger 1 comments links to this post 10:04 AM

Comments:

Local leadership in StL is contributing to these problems. As this response illustrates, StL-style solutions means less of what is needed. The area has spent over $650 million for a poorly designed light rail system and now plans to spend over $500 million to repave a highway. Both sets of plans have created less alternatives for bikers and pedestrians. Local leaders won't even finance an adequate level of law enforcement since bikers and pedestrians are considered second-class citizens. Shameful leadership at best and they wonder why people continue to leave the area.

 Anonymous : 9:18 AM

 

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