HIGH RIVER DELAYS WORK ON CHESTER BRIDGE RENOVATION

CHESTER, Ill. -- The rising Mississippi River has delayed repairs on the Chester bridge until April 30.

The Missouri Department of Transportation said worsening river conditions and the need for specialty materials have delayed the scheduled sandblasting and repainting of all steel and guardrails on the bridge. The $4.66 million renovation is being done by Global Construction Inc. of Holiday, Fla.

When repairs begin, motor traffic across the bridge will be restricted to one lane. All vehicles, including farm machinery, crossing the bridge of Route 51 will be limited to no more than 10 feet wide and 14 feet tall.

Automated traffic signals equipped with electronic sensors will control traffic but motorists should expect delays during peak travel hours.

The renovations are expected to be completed by November. The transportation department urged motorists crossing the bridge to use extreme caution.