The Eads Bridge is a historic steel arch bridge that spans the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and East St. Louis, Illinois. Completed in 1874, it was designed by engineer James B. Eads and was the first major bridge to use steel as a primary construction material. The bridge is notable for its innovative design and engineering techniques, which were groundbreaking for its time. Measuring 6,442 feet in length, the Eads Bridge features a series of large arches that support the roadway above. It originally accommodated both rail and vehicle traffic, playing a crucial role in the transportation network of the region. Today, the bridge remains an important landmark and is used primarily for vehicle traffic, with pedestrian walkways available for visitors.