Don Welge Memorial Bridge Design-Build

The Ames Team, a collaboration between Ames Construction and lead engineer Parsons Transportation Group, delivered the new Don Welge Memorial Bridge through a design-build contract. The four-span, three-tower, 2,900-foot-long cable-stayed bridge was constructed upstream of the existing 80-year-old Chester Bridge, connecting Perryville, Missouri, to Chester, Illinois.

As the only Mississippi River crossing between Cape Girardeau (56 miles south) and St. Louis (57 miles north), the Chester Bridge played a vital role in regional travel. However, it no longer met modern standards, as it was narrow, difficult to maintain, and often closed due to flooding. The new bridge addresses these issues with a wider design, featuring two 12-foot-wide travel lanes and 10-foot shoulders. At twice the width of its predecessor, it provides a safer, more reliable crossing for the region.

Construction began in fall 2023. By spring 2024, the drilled shafts were completed ahead of schedule. Work paused for two months during the summer due to significant flooding. Demonstrating adaptability and commitment, crews worked double shifts, and the team excelled in planning and executing the stay erection plan, picking up weeks due to shorter cycle times. These efforts were instrumental in keeping the project on schedule.

Work conditions demanded exceptional planning and coordination. Crew members performed tasks in cofferdams as deep as 50 feet below water level and at heights reaching 280 feet above the river. The project team developed detailed access and safety strategies, incorporating multiple layers of protection to ensure safe execution in the challenging environment.

The project also emphasized local workforce development. Over 90% of the Ames Team was hired from the surrounding communities, with several team members advancing into foreman roles to lead bridge crews.