Bridge at Cairo reopens to traffic

CAIRO, Ill. -- The Highway 60/62 bridge over the Mississippi River connecting Bird's Point, Mo., to Cairo opened Thursday morning, nearly a week earlier than expected.

The bridge was scheduled to reopen Nov. 2, but the contractor, Massman Construction Co., was able to get a quick jump on the work and enjoyed good weather, said Joe Lenzini with the Illinois Department of Transportation.

When the project began mid-September, IDOT placed a 45-day time limit on the completion to avoid bad weather. The construction was held off until mid-September to avoid interference with the corn harvest. The date was also set to minimize interference with the soybean harvest. Many Southeast Missouri producers ship grain out of Cairo and would have had a 25-mile detour while the bridge was down.

Joints were replaced on the bridge deck and reinforcements added to the truss connectors, said Lenzini, prolonging the life of the 76-year-old bridge. Lenzini said the bridge is in very good shape for its age.

The cost of the project was initially set at $969,224, split down the middle between Illinois and Missouri Departments of Transportation. Lenzini said the cost came in slightly over budget, but a final accounting hasn't been completed.

More work is planned on the bridge next year to paint rusted spots on the frame where runoff water collects.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182