Illinois, Missouri celebrate opening of Don Welge Memorial Bridge
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
CHESTER, Ill. (KBSI) — Illinois and Missouri transportation officials joined state and local leaders to celebrate the completion of the new Don Welge Memorial Bridge, a project designed to improve safety and connectivity between southern Illinois and southeast Missouri.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the completion of the $307.1 million bridge, which replaces the Chester Bridge built in 1942. The new span connects Randolph County, Illinois, and Perry County, Missouri, via Illinois 150 and Missouri 51.
The project was led by the Missouri Department of Transportation in partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation. Illinois invested approximately $143.2 million through Gov. JB Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program.
“The Don Welge bridge is essential to connecting Chester to the region and Illinois to the Midwest,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi said. “Through the governor’s capital program and the strong partnership with our neighboring states, we look forward to continuing to replace and revitalize these critical border bridges up and down the state.”
The new bridge features two 12-foot travel lanes with shoulders, replacing the aging structure with a wider crossing designed to improve safety, mobility and reliability for motorists, commercial vehicles and agricultural traffic.
Transportation officials said the bridge carries approximately 7,000 vehicles each day, with about 25% consisting of commercial traffic. The crossing also serves as a key route for emergency services, local travel and regional commerce.
The bridge is named in honor of longtime Chester resident and bridge advocate Don Welge.
The project is part of Illinois’ Rebuild Illinois infrastructure program, a six-year, $33.2 billion investment in roads, bridges, transit, rail, aviation and other transportation projects across the state.
