Oak Street Bridge, Carthage, MO, Route 66 at Christmastime

"Tickle Tummy Hill," the "Whee Bridge," or more formally, the Oak Street bridge on Route 66 in Carthage, MO, has been the subject of debate between the city, county, state, and the Union Pacific railroad which passes beneath it. Much against the sentiments of preservationists and Mother Road aficionados, the general plan is to demolish and replace it. The load limit of the bridge is too low by modern standards and it has an unusually steep peak, as seen in these headlight trails. However, the particulars of who will pay for the replacement change and that has helped buy time for this little perk of visiting Carthage. That's the Jasper County courthouse with some of its Christmas finery in the foggy distance.