MODOT holds public meeting for Chester Bridge project, work expected to begin within next month

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) – Illinois Senator Terri Bryant knows what kind of shape the Chester Bridge is in. 

“My grandkids do not like to cross that bridge,” she said. “When they cross that bridge, when we cross together, they close their eyes because it scares them to death just to cross the bridge.” 

But soon, her grandkids and everyone can gaze with eyes wide open upon a brand new bridge. 

“I anticipate both Perryville and Chester, southern Illinois and Missouri, all benefitting from putting this bridge in place,” Bryant said.

The new bridge will be a three-tower, cable-stayed structure, very similar to the Emerson Bridge in Cape Girardeau. 

Project Director Brian Okenfuss, who hails from nearby Ste. Genevieve, says building something so iconic close to his hometown is a pretty cool opportunity. 

“Building big bridges is a pretty neat thing,” he said. “Getting to do this so close to my hometown is a very special privilege. Having this opportunity to build an iconic structure like this is once in a lifetime.” 

And on Wednesday, the Missouri Department of Transportation hosted a public meeting during which the people involved in the project fielded questions and informed the public about the project’s details. 

“This is a really big project for the region, so we just wanted to reach out to folks so they understand more about the project, so they can talk to the project team itself,” Okenfuss said. “It really gives the public an opportunity to meet the people who are going to be building this pretty iconic structure in this area.”