Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Bridge

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MKT Bridge from Boonville train depot on Katy Trail

MKT Bridge from southeast

The Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Bridge (often referred to as the "Katy Bridge" from MKT) is a former rail bridge across the Missouri River at Boonville, Missouri that is subject to a debate whether to demolish it or include it the Katy Trail which is a 225-mile bicycle trail.

The bridge was originally built by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and was named MKT Bridge No. 191.1 It was truss bridge with four trusses over the water and a vertical lift in the middle. The bridge is currently not actually used as part of the Katy Trail.

The bridge was built in 1931-32 by the Kansas City Bridge Company (substructure), American Bridge Company (superstructure) and General Electric Company (electric installation) on a spot where MKT trains had been crossing since 1873.

It connects Howard County, Missouri with Cooper County, Missouri

After Union Pacific Railroad took over the railroad, it announced plans to abandon the line. Bicycle enthusiasts worked out an agreement in 1987 to take use the line for a rail trail stretching from St. Charles, Missouri to Clinton, Missouri. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources agreed to administer it. According to the terms the trail could only operate only if it served as a railbank meaning that it could be returned to rail service if necessary and that the trail had to be operated according to the desires of the railroad

The United States Coast Guard in 2004 told Union Pacific that the unused bridge was a navigation hazard and should be dismantled. The railroad quietly began plans to remove the bridge and float sections of it down to Jefferson City, Missouri where it was to be used as a new bridge across the Osage River. Bicycle enthusiasts caught wind of the move and launched a campaign to prevent the move because they feared that if the bridge was torn down the whole Katy Trail would legally be required to be returned to adjoining property owners because it no longer was viable as a revitalized railroad.

The State of Missouri under Missouri Governor Bob Holden announced plans to take over the maintenance of the bridge. However when Matt Blunt became Missouri governor in 2005 he reversed support for the bridge saying it would cost $3 to $11 million convert the bridge for trail use.

Missouri Attorney Jay Nixon in a dispute with Blunt sued the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to enforce the original order permitting state takeover.

The matter is still working its way through the courts.