ST. LOUIS – Drivers who use the westbound I-255 across the will need to determine alternate routes through at least the end of the week, as the westbound interstate bridge will remain closed.
Currently, highly specialized inspection teams are looking at the bridge during daylight hours (about 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.) to determine any other potential places where there may be similar issues on the bridge. MoDOT brought in equipment from Chicago and Jefferson City, and has flown in an additional specialist from Seattle.
Due to the nature and precision of the inspection, the work needs to be done in daylight. At this point, the inspection is anticipated to be complete Wednesday, at which point the department will be able to share further information on a timeline for the needed repairs.
MoDOT continues to coordinate with various partners, including the Illinois Department of Transportation, emergency responders, and local construction teams to mitigate the situation, determine a repair and get the bridge open to traffic as soon as safely possible.
Monday morning’s rush period saw a large number of vehicles on Illinois Route 3 and on the westbound I-64 across the Poplar Street Bridge. There was a slight increase in traffic on the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, and no change in traffic on the westbound Chain of Rocks Bridge. Commuters should consider getting onto the interstate system as soon as possible and using all Mississippi River crossings between Illinois and Missouri, or, if possible, using MetroLink, shifting their commute times, or telecommuting. IDOT has also increased staff on hand to update signs and adjust signal timing.