SIKESTON—Work to rehabilitate the Chester Bridge will soon get underway. The bridge spans the Mississippi River, connecting the cities of Perryville, Missouri and Chester, Illinois via MO Route 51/IL Route 150.
The upcoming maintenance project will include pavement rehab and some minor structural steel repairs.
As work is underway, Route 51 will be reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction in the vicinity of the bridge. Temporary signals will be in place to guide motorists through the work zone. Weather permitting, work will begin Tuesday, July 5, with completion anticipated Thursday, Dec. 1.
The width restriction will mean large equipment, such as combines, will be unable to cross the bridge during the rehab project.
“The Missouri Department of Transportation will allow large equipment to pass once during construction. We plan to make the bridge available at full width for 72 hours,” said Chester Bridge Deputy Project Director Benji Philpot. “Once the date is set, MoDOT will provide notice two weeks in advance.”
Philpot explained although the structure is safe for travel, it is in poor condition.
“The rehab work will help improve the existing bridge as the project team prepares for the replacement project,” he said.
Traffic will continue to use the existing structure as the new Chester Bridge is under construction. The project team is currently working through the design-build process.
The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.