Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge Opening

Larger than expected numbers of Missourians & Illinoisans braved the damp, bitter cold temperatures on Saturday, Feb. 2nd to be among the first to trek across the new Stan Musial Veterans Memorial Bridge, connecting I-70 in Missouri to I-55/70 & I-64 in Illinois. The day’s events began with a 6K run at 8 a.m., then a cycling time trials event at 10 a.m., with the bridge opening to the public at noon.

The ribbon cutting event began at 2 p.m. with a number of Missouri & Illinois officials speaking on behalf of the project, members of the Musial family (who were in attendance), and members of IDOT & MODOT. Some of those who spoke were; St.Louis Mayor Francis Slay, MO Gov. Jay Nixon, MO Senator Claire McCaskill, MO Rep. William L. Clay, IL Gov. Pat Quinn, IL Senator Dick Durbin, IL Rep. Rodney Davis, former IL Rep. Jerry Costello, and others.

The speakers gave recognition to the significant contributions of Stan Musial both as a Cardinal baseball player, as well as the time he served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. In addition to the sacrifice given by our U.S. Veterans, recognition was also given to the Gammon family and their loss of carpenter Andy Gammon, who perished during the construction of the new bridge.

The bridge, which started as a discussion project in 1990, was built to help relieve congestion of the highly trafficked Poplar Street Bridge. The $695 Million project was funded by a group effort between the Federal government ($307 Million-[$165 Million IL; $142 Million MO]), Illinois ($347 Million), and Missouri ($41 Million).

The Main Span towers reach 400′ above the river bed, 2/3 the height of the Arch. With a Main Span of 1500′, the bridge is also 88 ft wide. It is currently striped for 4 lanes (2 each way), but can be striped for 3 lanes each way if traffic demands require. The bridge official opened for traffic on Sunday, Feb. 3rd.