ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Department of Transportation will close the Delor Bridge over Interstate 55 starting early Monday, March 14 to begin the bridge replacement project. Motorists affected by this bridge closure can detour to Virginia, Bates, Loughborough or 4500 South Broadway. During construction, there will be various lane closures on Interstate 55. The Delor Bridge is expected to reopen in early October 2011.

There will be a full closure of Interstate 55 from Carondelet to 4500 Broadway starting at 9 p.m. on Friday, March 18 and reopening by 5 a.m. on Monday, March 21 to allow the contractor to safely remove the bridge. Motorists can use the following detour while this section of Interstate 55 is closed:

• Southbound I-55 - Exit at Broadway and turn left. Turn right on River City Casino Boulevard. Continue to Carondelet Avenue and follow to I-55.
• Northbound I-55 - Exit at Carondelet and turn right. Continue on River City Casino Boulevard. Turn left on Broadway and follow to I-55.

This construction is part of the Interstate 55 Bridge Replacement Project to remove and replace the Holly Hills and Delor Bridges. Both of them were built in the early 1960s and have deteriorated beyond the point of simply repairing the bridges. Dates are still being finalized for when the Holly Hills Bridge will be removed and replaced.

The Holly Hills and Delor Bridges will be built in the same location with a higher clearance over the interstate to meet current Federal Highway standards. MoDOT will also upgrade the sidewalks and pedestrian ramps to American Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Replacing both the Holly Hills and Delor Bridges costs a total of $3 million dollars. The entire Interstate 55 Bridge Replacement Project is expected to be complete by the end of 2011.

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