1960s Grand Bridge Closed For Replacement 5 Years Ago Today
It was five years ago today when St. Louis closed the 1960s Grand Ave bridge over the railroad tracks so it could be replaced:
The Grand Bridge is scheduled to close from Chouteau Avenue to the I-64 off-ramp on Monday, March 14, 2011. The bridge will close before the morning rush around 5:00 am. The bridge will be closed to traffic for about 14 months; the entire project is expected to be completed in 18-24 months. During that time, the current bridge will be completely removed and replaced. When finished, the project will provide a dramatic facelift to Midtown. (St. Louis)
The old bridge had 3 vehicles lanes in each direction and vary narrow sidewalks.
The new bridge, with 2 lanes per direction & wider sidewalks, opened in July 2012. See: New Grand Viaduct Huge Improvement, Development Opportunities Remain.
The Grand bridge over I-44 will soon be replaced, though traffic won’t be completely cut off:
The driving surface of the bridge will be completely replaced and the bridge will be raised to meet interstate standards. Although the project will be completed in stages, drivers can expect fewer lanes across the bridge and will not be able to make left turns during construction, MoDOT said.
At least one lane will be open in each direction on Grand during each stage of construction.
Construction is expected to start in June, with all driving lanes expected to be open by the end of the year. (Post-Dispatch)
Work continues on a new kingshighway bridge over the railroad tracks South of I-44, the old bridge closed last July.
— Steve Patterson
The new sidewalks and fewer lanes are such an improvement. My mother is temporarily staying at the Life Care Center on Chouteau just off Grand and walking from the Grand Metro to Chouteau on these new sidewalks is very pleasant. I used to feel very vulnerable to traffic walking on the old sidewalks.