Legislature Working on Chester Bridge

(Perryville, MO) Legislators in Missouri and Illinois are still trying to formulate a plan to address the problems with the Chester Bridge that goes over the Mississippi from the Perryville area into Chester Illinois. The State Representative for the 116th district in Missouri, Dale Wright, says they looked into repairs but they that route was too expensive.

The bridge was constructed in 1942 and was repaired in 1944 after a severe storm destroyed the main span. It carries 7,000 vehicles a day across the river. The cost of a new bridge is estimated to be $140 million dollars. The is considered safe for travel yet it's graded as being in poor condition. The next inspection of the bridge is set for this fall.