SIKESTON-When will it reopen? With roadways across Missouri closed due to flooding, this question has become a common conversation topic.
“Even once floodwaters recede, Missouri Department of Transportation crews still have work to do before a closed roadway or bridge can reopen,” said MoDOT Southeast District Maintenance Engineer Tammy Hefner. “There is a process to reopening a route or bridge to ensure the safety of our travelers.”
Currently, the Route 51 Chester Bridge over the Mississippi River is closed. The bridge is located southwest of Chester, Illinois, and northeast of Perryville, Missouri, and it is the only connection for motorists across the Mississippi River between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
“Approximately 6,500 vehicles cross the bridge daily,” said Hefner. “We understand travelers will be anxious for this major river crossing to reopen as soon as floodwaters recede. MoDOT will reopen the bridge as soon as possible, but there are steps that have to be taken first.”
The process for reopening the Chester Bridge will include:
- Allowing the water to recede from the bridge girders
- Inspecting the bridge
- Removing debris
- Deconstructing the levee wall
- Inspecting and repairing the roadway
She added removal of the levee wall is a more in-depth part of the process.
“To install the levee wall, the roadway is actually cut to allow for placement of the panels. Several posts are placed into sleeves in the roadway to help lock it into place,” she explained. “During removal, this will require welding the steel caps and filling the pavement void.”
Hefner added the Chester Bridge will require more extensive work to reopen, but all roadways must have a safety inspection and any necessary repairs prior to reopening.
For updated roadway conditions, please visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/?district=SOUTHEAST or call MoDOT’s Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888 ASK MODOT (275-6636).
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