Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge dedication on Saturday

Schedule

(see map below)

8 a.m. -- Gates open to the public

9 a.m. -- Ceremony begins at the middle of the bridge with dignitaries' remarks

10:15 a.m. -- Ribbon cutting (bridge cable cut with grinder)

10:30 a.m. -- Inaugural drive/celebration caravan

11 a.m. -- Bridge open to foot traffic for strolling and photos at no charge as well as a 5-K run, 2-mile walk and 14-mile bike ride. Run/ walk/bike check-in is on Fountain Street between Morgan Oak and Highway 74.

1:30 p.m. -- Bridge cleared

3 p.m. -- Bridge open to traffic, if completed

Parking, shuttle service

Shuttles will be available beginning at 7:30 a.m. from the Show Me Center, Shawnee Park Sports Complex and RM COCO in Missouri and the Purple Crackle in Illinois. There will be no parking near the bridge, and no-parking zones will be clearly marked on the east side of South Frederick from Morgan Oak to College streets, the east side of South Middle from Morgan Oak to College streets, both sides of College from Asher to Frederick streets, both sides of Asher from Morgan Oak to College streets, the alley between Frederick and Middle, and Willow from Maple Street to the dead end. It is about a 1/3-mile walk to the middle of the bridge.

Inclement weather

Snow is in the forecast. If the Missouri Department of Transportation determines the ceremony can't be held on the bridge, it will be in a tent on the River Campus. The decision won't be made until late Friday or early Saturday.

Television broadcast

Live coverage on UPN -- Channel 33 on most Charter Communications systems in Southeast Missouri and Channel 2 on MediaCom systems in Southern Illinois -- will start at 9 a.m. and run through the conclusion of the ceremony.

Commemorative books

Books will be available at the foot of the bridge on the Missouri side for $10 each.

Map