What is the problem with the bridge?
The Delmar Boulevard bridge over Interstate 170 is deteriorating and needs to be replaced. The bridge has been removed and crews are in the process of constructing a new bridge. The new bridge should be open to traffic by September 1, 2011.
The existing Delmar Boulevard Bridge is about 40 years old and carries 14,000 vehicles a day over the interstate.
What is the proposal to fix this?
MoDOT has closed the bridge until it has been replaced. The bridge was demolished the weekend of May 20. It is scheduled to be reopened by September 1. It will mean that drivers will have to adjust to the closure for their commutes and to access businesses on both sides of the interstate. MoDOT will use incentives to encourage the contractor to complete the job quicker.
MoDOT will also make every effort, during the rebuilding, to keep the ramps to and from the interstate open. There will be, however, some ramp closures, to rebuild and update the ramps.
MoDOT used the same type of plan to rebuild to Dougherty Ferry Bridge over Interstate 270 in 2007. That bridge opened two weeks earlier due to the contractor’s efforts.
Here's a closeup of the work area and planned closures.
What is the detour?
Drivers can use Price Road, Olive Boulevard and McKnight, or the interstate, to detour around the closure. A map of the detour is here.
What other options were considered?
MoDOT has considered completing half the bridge at a time, while keeping one lane open in both directions. This would significantly increase the amount of time needed to complete the work, and would result in longer delays on Delmar Boulevard. MoDOT replaced a similar bridge at Telegraph Road over I-270 with this option. The project took roughly 18 months to complete
What has MoDOT done to reduce the impact?
By closing Delmar MoDOT significantly reduces the amount of time it will take to replace and reopen the bridge fully to traffic. By doing the work between Memorial Day and Labor Day 2011, the department minimizes the impact to school bus and commuting traffic. Additionally, the department is coordinating its efforts with the cities of Olivette and University City, as well as emergency services to minimize the impacts to the cities and emergency response efforts.
Sign up for e-updates
MoDOT wants to ensure all stakeholders stay updated and informed about the project during construction. We will send out periodic "e-updates" via e-mail when they become available. If you would like to be added to this list, please send an e-mail to Andrew Gates at Andrew.Gates@modot.mo.gov. If you do not have access to e-mail, you can call MoDOT toll-free at 1-888-ASK MODOT (275-6636) for updates on the project.
