ST. LOUIS (KTVI) – Drivers will have to wait a few more months before traffic is reopened over the Kingshighway Bridge in south city. Previously the city planned to open the bridge by the end of 2016. Now, Rich Bradley, President of the Board of Public Service estimates the bridge to open in April of 2017.
“We ran into a number of underground utilities that were not shown on any of the existing records or plaques” Bradley said. “So that impacted the installation of the under-bridge dredge system”.
In addition to some unforeseen circumstances now putting a delay on construction, Bradley says crews are also working with and around the still operating Union Pacific railroad tracks underneath the construction.
“All of those things combined have created some delays in the project, but at the end of the day we feel comfortable that we’re doing the best we can with it” Bradley said.
Drivers who once used the bridge everyday as part of their commute are ready for it to be reopened.
“It needs to open soon because traffic is hectic, congested and sometimes I’m late getting to work because of traffic” said Rodney Atkins.
Nearby businesses are also impacted by the closure.
“Since it’s been down for a year and a half I’m sure we’re being effected” said Don Brown Chevrolet Sales Manager, Tim Ryan. “Sure it’s much easier when it’s open people can get in and out” he said.
“We are absolutely doing our best to get this thing opened as soon as we possibly can” said Bradley. “We understand it is very important and we’re going to give it everything we have to get this thing completed” he said.
