ST. LOUIS—
A major construction project is underway, ridding the city of a dangerously designed old bridge, and its being done fast. Crews hope to take down an old structure and put up a new one, in just ten days. The bridge in question is the 80 year old one used by Metrolink to cross Vandeventer, near Highway 40 close to downtown St. Louis. It has a dangerous design. Each lane is separated by concrete, presenting four columns for drivers to dodge."Its past due," says Keith Klocke, Project Manager.
"This bridge was built 80 years ago and you know they just didn't have that many cars that they were worried about back then," says Metro's Dianne Williams.
Contractors began demolition Saturday morning and expect to have the new bridge in place, ready for Metrolink traffic by January 4, but between now and then, there are no train tracks between Grand and the Central West End, so buses are carting people between those two Metrolink stops.
"What's fortunate is that this week is the lowest ridership we have in the year so well have many fewer passengers who will have to be impacted," says Williams. "You'll figure it out. Well be there to help you figure it out, but take more time if you've gotta get to work on time."
As the project continues, Vandeventer Avenue will remain closed, and motorists are encouraged to detour around the area using Chouteau Avenue, Grand Avenue, and Forest Park Avenue.
Crews plan to work fast, despite the cold weather.
"We sure wouldn't want to come in here with a big snow storm or ice storm slapping at us here but things look favorable. Cold weather is cold weather. We can work through that."
