SIKESTON—Work to rehabilitate the Chester Bridge is underway. The bridge spans the Mississippi River, connecting the cities of Perryville, Missouri, and Chester, Illinois via MO Route 51/IL Route 150.
The maintenance project includes pavement rehab and some minor structural steel repairs.
Currently, Route 51 is reduced to one lane with a 10-foot width restriction in the vicinity of the bridge. Temporary signals are in place to guide motorists through the work zone. The width restriction means large equipment is unable to cross the bridge during the rehab project.
The Missouri Department of Transportation will allow large equipment to pass once during construction. The bridge will be available at full width for 72 hours from Saturday, Sept. 3 through Monday, Sept. 5.
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 Chester Bridge replacement project. Completion of the rehab work is anticipated Thursday, Dec. 1, weather permitting.
The work zone will be marked with signs. Motorists are urged to use extreme caution while traveling near the area.