SIKESTON, Mo. – Missouri Route 51/Illinois Route 150 is scheduled to close the morning of Sept. 28 for the implosion of the Chester Bridge over the Mississippi River, weather permitting. For the safety of motorists and the demolition team, all roadways within 1,000 feet of the bridge will be closed during the controlled explosion. The blast is tentatively scheduled for 9 a.m.
Once the area is secured, the demolition team will use a controlled explosion to drop the bridge into the river. Roads within 1,000 feet of the bridge will remain closed for approximately 15 minutes while the blast takes place and until the all-clear is given.
In case of inclement weather, the blast could be delayed that morning or rescheduled to the morning of Sept. 29. Updates will be released, if needed.
A designated viewing location will be available at the boat landing on the Illinois side of the river. The City of Chester will provide bus transportation from Cole Memorial Park (100 Pool Drive) and Cohen Complex (3402 Bodes Lane) to the viewing location. Drones are prohibited.
The Missouri Department of Transportation will provide a livestream of the implosion, which may be viewed on Facebook at facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast. A recording will also be provided on the project website at modot.org/DonWelge following the implosion.
The blast itself will only last a moment. Strategic charges will be placed at specific locations on the structure to drop the bridge straight down, rather than allowing it to twist or fall sideways. The charges will also be placed to break the bridge into sections that can be lifted by cranes. Following the implosion, the demolition team will work to remove the truss pieces from the river within 48 hours, allowing the river channel to reopen to boat and barge traffic.
For more information about the Don Welge Memorial Bridge, visit modot.org/DonWelge.
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