Metro Project Underway to Replace Vandeventer Bridge

Work is now underway on a construction project that will completely replace the 80-year old Vandeventer Bridge. The bridge currently supports three rail tracks: two for MetroLink, and a third for limited freight use. Constructed in 1929, the bridge that spans Vandeventer Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the City of St. Louis, is experiencing significant settling and deterioration. In addition, the bridge is supported by four piers which are obstacles to vehicular traffic. 

The $5 million dollar design-build project was awarded to St. Charles, Missouri-based Millstone-Bangert. The firm will construct a two-span, pre-cast structure on concrete abutments. The project is funded by a Federal grant and local matching funds.

“The design for this project will provide a stabilized structure that continues to support MetroLink well into the future,” notes Chris Poehler, P.E., Metro’s Senior Vice President, Engineering & New Systems Development.

“The Vandeventer Bridge replacement will improve the traffic flow by widening the existing roadway,” said Todd Waelterman, Director of Streets, St. Louis City Street Department. “The increased clearance height and wider roadway contributes to better visibility - and, hopefully as a result, will increase commerce along Vandeventer. The City of St. Louis is thankful to Bob Baer and Metro for their efforts on this great improvement.”

Construction is scheduled to be completed during the spring of 2010. While the project has been designed to be completed with minimal impact on both MetroLink riders and vehicular traffic, the smooth flow of MetroLink travel will be interrupted during the 2009 holiday season, when the fewest people are commuting.
The MetroLink service outage for that section of track is scheduled to begin Christmas weekend and continue through Sunday, January 3. 

During that time, passengers will be able to use specially designated MetroBus vehicles to travel around the construction zone and continue their commute. More details on MetroLink service and MetroBus shuttles will be available closer to the start of that phase of the project.

Cars on Vandeventer Avenue will need to detour around the construction area for approximately two months beginning on December 7.