Officials celebrate opening of Don Welge Memorial Bridge

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

PERRYVILLE, Mo. (KBSI) — Local leaders, businesses and community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the Don Welge Memorial Bridge, marking a milestone for transportation and regional connectivity between southeast Missouri and southern Illinois.

The Perry County Economic Development Authority said the new bridge will improve travel, enhance public safety and strengthen economic opportunities for communities on both sides of the Mississippi River.

The opening ceremony followed 18 months of planning led by the Perryville & Chester Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Southeast District.

Planning efforts also included Perry and Randolph counties, local sheriff’s offices and emergency management agencies, police and fire departments in Perryville and Chester, economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and several private businesses and community partners.

Officials thanked event sponsors and the many volunteers and organizations that helped organize the celebration, calling the project an example of regional collaboration.

The Don Welge Memorial Bridge replaces the previous Chester Bridge and provides a new connection between Perryville and Chester.