CHESTER, IL (WSIL) -- The Missouri Department of Transportation has selected a new team to replace the Chester Bridge spanning over the Mississippi River from Perry County, Missouri, to Randolph County, Illinois.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission announced the Ames Team as the design-build contractor to replace the large bridge.
The Chester bridge, Missouri Route51/Illinois Route 150, connects the communities of Chester, Illinois to Perryville, Missouri.
“This major river bridge is vital to agricultural traffic, area industries and travelers,� said Missouri Department of Transportation Project Director Brian Okenfuss. “While the current bridge is safe, it is in poor condition. The new Chester Bridge will reduce the number of flood-related closures and better serve today’s traffic.�
This bridge will be located just upstream of the current existing bridge and will be twice as wide as the bridge it's replacing.
“Reviewing proposals from potential design-build teams was a rigorous process, as all the teams under consideration have previously delivered great projects,� Okenfuss said.
The contractor team had to meet or exceed several goals, including replacing both the Chester bridge and Horse Island Chute bridge within the project budget.
The Ames Team is comprised of Ames Construction Inc. and Parsons Transportation Group. This team will construct a three-tower, cable-stayed bridge.
“We are excited to begin moving forward with The Ames Team to complete the Chester Bridge replacement project,� Okenfuss added.
The current truss bridge was originally constructed in 1942. Approximately 7,000 vehicles use the bridge daily.
Completion of the new bridge is anticipated by the end of 2026. The new bridge will cost approximately $284 million to complete.
