Expect Three Years Construction for I-64 Boone Bridge

Construction of a new eastbound I-64 Boone Bridge is under contract for $125 million, state highway officials announced earlier this week.

Builders Walsh-Alberici in a joint venture with designers Burns & McDonnell will design-build Boone Bridge.

The Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission selected the team—which is also rehabbing the I-70 Blanchette Bridge for $65 million over the next year.

"Walsh Construction Company's recently started Blanchette Bridge Project, coupled with Alberici and Burns and McDonnell's established local presence, positions our team to deliver a quality project that is on time and within budget," said Senior Project Manager Eric Hayes for Walsh Construction Co.  "Our experienced team of professionals and highly-skilled local trades have been involved with many of the large successful infrastructure projects in the St. Louis Metro area." 

Boone Bridge work should take three years, starting in 2013 and expected to finish by October 2015, according to Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT.)

The existing crossing of the Missouri River from Chesterfield's banks into St. Charles consists of:

• a westbound bridge built in 1935, and 
• a newer eastbound bridge.

The new plan is to construct a third bridge just upstream from the two existing bridges, and then tear down the oldest bridge.

The 1935 bridge has been closed periodically for repairs since 2007 when a bridge collapse in Minneapolis over the Mississippi River killed 13, and led Missouri to survey all of its own bridges for safety.

The Boone Bridges crossing into St. Charles County is heavily traveled by communters, as the area increasing draws residents from points east with its new housing, shopping, recreation and other amenities.

The project will create a new interchange among Chesterfield Airport Road, North Outer Forty Road and a westbound I-64 ramp.

A continuous fourth lane will run west from Chesterfield Airport Road entrance ramp to Route 94 exit ramp in St. Charles.

A path will be added to the new eastbound bridge that connects the Katy Trail with Chesterfield's Monarch Levee Trail.

MoDOT said the $125 million price tag includes money for utility relocation, property acquisition, design and construction of the project. Walsh Construction is a Chicago company; Alberici Constructors Inc. is St. Louis-based.

Other updates are available at the project website.