Chouteau Bridge Sidewalk Cracked, Pedestrians Detoured Slightly
The Chouteau bridge (aerial) between 39th and Vandeventer opened on January 19, 2007 (source). The project to replace the old bridge was estimated at $16 million and “the construction contract was awarded to KCI Construction Company for $11.7 million.”
Knowing the bridge wasn’t very old I was surprised recently when I saw barricades on the south edge, then I received a press release from MoDOT:
ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Department of Transportation will close Chouteau Avenue (Route 100) between Vandeventer and Spring in both directions for periods of up to 10 minutes starting at 10 p.m. Tuesday, May 8. All lanes will be open by 6 a.m. Wednesday, May 9.
Crews are conducting load testing on the bridge to determine the best way to fix the sidewalk. The sidewalk has been closed since mid-2011. (MoDOT)
Fix a sidewalk on a five year-old bridge?
BIke/Walk Alert – Chouteau bridge between Vandeventer and 39th St.: During a recent inspection, MODOT found a crack in the sidewalk on the Chouteau Bridge and has closed the sidewalk while they investigate if the bridge is safe. MODOT plans to close one eastbound lane of Chouteau between Vandeventer and 39th and separate it from traffic with a concrete barrier. This lane will be a shared bike and pedestrian path until the sidewalk is repaired. Until the concrete barriers are in place, please use extreme caution when crossing the Chouteau Bridge or select an alternate route. Trailnet will post updates as we become aware of them. (Trailnet Facebook post on November 1, 2011)
With the barriers it’s possible to cross the bridge, although meeting someone in the middle would be a problem.
I’ve not seen anything since the recent testing to indicate a solution. MoDOT hasn’t responded to my inquiry. Did Missouri get a warranty on this bridge?
– Steve Patterson