Pacific, Missouri lies at the next logical junction point between the Meramec section of Great Rivers Greenway and the northwest extension of the Ozark Trail. The ultimate goal is to be able to travel by foot, bike or horse from the Gateway Arch to Ft. Smith, Arkansas, (700 miles). Right now, both trails are riverlocked: there needs to be a way for trails to bridge the Meramec River. Bend Bridge, (Also known as Withington Ford Bridge) which is still open to traffic, will be decommissioned in the next year. Efforts to obtain the bridge directly from Franklin County have been unsuccessful. We are now working with state and federal officials who acknowledge the historic nature of the bridge, and the City of Pacific which has not yet decided what position to take. We have recently raised $18,000 in leverage funds for The latter action would negatively impact federally endangered mussels, which live nowhere else in the world. Saving Bend Bridge would improve the economy, increase tourism, and provide more recreational opportunities for area residents away from busy roadways. After you sign our petition, please visit these websites:

The Pacific River Walk Trail - http://www.pacificriverwalktrail.org
or Save Bend Bridge - http://www.savebendbridge.org

We are on Facebook under Old Bend Bridge (community)

https://www.facebook.com/saveoldbendbridge

for up to the minute details. Or visit there first, then return to sign. We need people to stand with us to save this bridge for now and future generations. Can we count on you?