Missouri highway commissioners award contract for new Mississippi River bridge at St. Louis

Mo. awards new Mississippi River bridge contract

CHESTERFIELD, Mo. — Missouri Highway commissioners have approved a $229.5 million contract to build the main span of a new bridge over the Mississippi River at St. Louis.

Illinois transportation officials concurred.

The joint bid from Massman Construction/Traylor Brothers/Alberici Constructors was the low bid, but about $39 million more than officials had expected.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission met Wednesday to decide whether to accept the bid, or postpone the already long-delayed project.

Missouri transportation officials say the bridge will improve safety, relieve congestion on other spans, and promote economic growth in the region.

About $41 million in the project will go to qualified minority- or woman-owned businesses.

Officials in Missouri and Illinois have hoped to start construction on the proposed four-lane span as early as next year, with work taking four to six years.