What is the timeline for the replacement project?
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission announced the selection of The Ames Team as the design-build contractor to replace the Chester Bridge on March 8, 2023. The proposal from The Ames Team—comprised of Ames Construction Inc. and Parsons Transportation Group—was deemed to be of the apparent best value to taxpayers based on the project goals. Tentatively, construction is anticipated to begin in late summer/early fall 2023. The team will construct a three-tower, cable-stayed bridge, and completion is anticipated by the end of 2026.
How will construction impact traffic?
Traffic will continue to use the existing structure during construction of the new Chester Bridge, and no long-term lane closures are anticipated. Once construction is completed and traffic is shifted to the new Chester Bridge, the existing structure will be demolished. Impacts to river traffic will be minimized as much as possible during the demolition.
Approximately how long will it take to construct the new bridge?
Tentatively, construction is anticipated to begin in late summer/early fall 2023. The project is expected to completed no later than December 1, 2026.
What will the new bridge look like?
The Ames Team will construct a three-tower, cable-stayed bridge. Click here to view a rendering of the bridge.
What differences can we expect in the new bridge?
The bridge will be constructed upstream from the existing structure and will be twice as wide to better accommodate today's traffic. The plan includes flattening the roadway grade, constructing two 12-foot lanes with two 10-foot shoulders, and reducing the number of piers in the river.
Will this project decrease bridge closures during flooding of the Mississippi River?
One of the purposes of this project is to reduce the number of flood-related closures. The Missouri Department of Transportation realizes closures of this major river bridge have a significant impact on area businesses and motorists, with the detours located at Cape Girardeau (Emerson Bridge) or at I-255 (MM 3) near St Louis.
How will the replacement project be funded?
The new bridge will cost approximately $284 million to complete. The financial responsibilities for this project are broken down into three pieces: one that is Missouri’s (Missouri approach and Horse Island Chute Bridge), one that is shared 50/50 (Chester Bridge), and one that is Illinois’ (Illinois approach).
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved an amendment to the FY2022-2026 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program to fund the Chester Bridge Replacement Project (J9P3857). The Illinois Department of Transportation committed $63 million toward the cost of a bridge replacement in its FY2022-2027 Rebuild Illinois Highway Improvement Program.
Could the new bridge become a toll bridge again to assist with funding?
While the Missouri Department of Transportation has explored tolling in the past, specifically for I-70, it is not a consideration for funding the Chester Bridge project. Missouri and Illinois cannot simply institute a toll road/bridge. The process involves special designation to institute a toll along with legislation.
What is the design-build project delivery method?
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved the Southeast District’s request to complete the Chester Bridge Replacement Project using the design-build project delivery method. Design-build allows industry input on both the design and construction of this work. Design-build will enable this project to be built as quickly and efficiently as possible, realizing the maximum schedule, safety, and scope benefits for the limited budget. To learn more about design-build, please visit www.modot.org/design-build-information.
Is the existing Chester Bridge safe for travel?
The existing bridge is safe for travel and is inspected every year. If it were deemed unsafe for travel, the Missouri Department of Transportation would immediately close the bridge.
How do I stay up-to-date on the Chester Bridge project?
News Releases – E-update
www.modot.org/chesterbridge
facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast
twitter.com/MoDOTSoutheast
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, please contact Chester Bridge Project Director Brian Okenfuss at (573) 258-9144 or Chester Bridge Deputy Director Benji Philpot at (573) 472-5371.