Missouri: Chester Bridge Replacement Project

Approaching Improvements in Missouri   

Challenge: For 80 years, the Chester Bridge in southeast Missouri has served as a vital link for farmers, truckers and travelers needing to cross the Mississippi River. Built in 1942, the narrow, metal bridge was not designed to handle the size and volume of today’s trucks and farm equipment. Some farmers call it a “white knuckle experience” and police must shut down traffic to let the bigger equipment cross. Although still safe for motorists and continually checked by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT), this aging structure is rated in poor condition. But this story is not just about the bridge replacement – it’s about the approach.   

Solution: Missouri and Illinois are teaming up to build a new, modern crossing just upstream – The Don Welge Memorial Bridge will be twice as wide with two 12-foot lanes and two 10-foot shoulders. The roads leading up to the bridge are just as important. With help from the federal infrastructure investment law, the existing roadway is being relocated on the Missouri side and pavement improvements will be made on the Illinois side. For people who depend on this crossing – a stronger, safer, and more reliable trip is just ahead.    

What they’re saying: “Now agricultural traffic will not have to call the police to help them across. Those are just a few of the bigger impactful things that people can see.” – Tom Welge, local business leader and son of Don Welge who the bridge is named after  (Republic Monitor, 11/02/2023)    

Photo Credit: https: modot.org