Permitted loads now able to cross Stan Musial Bridge

Effective Sept. 2, permitted loads will be allowed to access the Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge on Interstate 70. The Cable-stayed bridge, which measures 2,803-feet long and 400-feet tall, crosses the Mississippi River between St. Clair County, Ill., and the city of St. Louis, Mo. Built between April 19, 2010, and July 2013, the bridge opened on February 9, 2014.

The importance of allowing permitted loads on the new bridge was brought to SC&RA’s attention by St. Louis area members. Permit access will save SC&RA members, particularly those accessing downtown St. Louis, as much as 70 extra miles per trip.

SC&RA credits Department of Transportation officials from both Missouri and Illinois for considering requests from SC&RA and its members to open the bridge to permitted loads.

“This is another example of state government officials listening to the concerns of industry and finding a reasonable solution that results in safety and efficiencies for all concerned,” said SC&RA Vice President Steven Todd. “Hats off to Scott Marion and Debbie Bradshaw in Missouri and Geno Koehler in Illinois for their many hours of efforts resolving this issue.”