ST. LOUIS - Missouri Department of Transportation will temporarily close Arsenal Bridge over Interstate 44 starting Thursday, February 25 for a bridge replacement project.  The Arsenal Bridge will remain closed until late May 2010. Motorists can still access the Interstate 44 entrance and exit ramps.

The existing bridge deck will be removed over the weekend of February 26-28. There will be multiple lane closures on eastbound and westbound Interstate 44 during this weekend. Various lane closures on Interstate 44 may occur during off-peak hours during weekdays from late February to late May 2010.

The Arsenal Bridge over Interstate 44 was built in 1969. The existing bridge deck on Arsenal is deteriorating, so maintenance improvements are necessary for traffic to continue on this bridge. MoDOT will make the following improvements to the Arsenal Bridge:

• The current bridge deck on Arsenal will be removed and replaced. MoDOT will utilize the existing bridge's columns, piers and structural steel since all these parts of the bridge are in good condition.
• Sight distance improvements will be added on the westbound Interstate 44 off-ramp.
• Fencing will be installed on the bridge.
• ADA accommodations will be upgraded within the project limits.
• MoDOT will add decorative pedestrian lighting to the bridge structure, in partnership with the City of St. Louis and Alderman Joe Vaccaro.

The following detours are urged for motorists who need to travel across the Arsenal Bridge during the closure:

Eastbound Arsenal Detour

• Motorists - Advanced signing will direct vehicles to travel south on Jamieson Avenue, then east on Fyler Avenue, and then north on Watson Road.
• Pedestrians - Signing will direct pedestrians to walk south on Jamieson Avenue, east on Bradley Avenue and north on Ivanhoe Avenue.

Westbound Arsenal Detour

• Motorists - Advanced signing will direct vehicles to travel south on Watson Road, west on Fyler Avenue, and north on Jamieson Avenue.
• Pedestrians - Signing will direct pedestrians to walk south on Ivanhoe Avenue, west on Bradley Avenue and north on Jamieson Avenue.

Motorists should reduce their speed, use caution and pay attention in this work zone. Plan ahead for ways to avoid work zones, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT or visit our website at www.modot.org.                                                            

                                                                            ###