St. Louis Metro begins bridge replacement project

Work is now underway on a construction project that will completely replace the 80-year old Vandeventer Bridge, which currently supports three rail tracks: two for St. Louis MetroLink light rail and a third for limited freight use.

Constructed in 1929, the bridge is experiencing significant settling and deterioration. In addition, the bridge is supported by four piers, which are obstacles to vehicular traffic.

The $5 million dollar design-build project was awarded to St. Charles, Missouri-based Millstone-Bangert. The firm will construct a two-span, pre-cast structure on concrete abutments. The project is funded by a Federal grant and local matching funds.

Construction is scheduled to be completed during the spring of 2010. While the project has been designed to be completed with minimal impact on both MetroLink riders and vehicular traffic, the smooth flow of MetroLink travel will be interrupted during the 2009 holiday season, when the fewest people are commuting, according to the agency.