PIER 3 WORK TO START ON EMERSON BRIDGE

The Missouri Department of Transportation has given the go-head for Pier 3 work on the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.

Work was halted on Pier 3, situated in the middle of the Mississippi River, earlier this year for additional core testings by the transportation department to determine the precise makeup of rock beneath the pier site.

The department has conducted extensive research. The investigations confirm that a process involving pressure grouting will enable the rock on the bottom of the river to provide additional support needed for Southeast Missouri seismic conditions, said Randy Hitt, area engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation.

"The department Friday authorized Flatiron Structures, the bridge contractor, to proceed with the Pier 3 footing," said Hitt.

Work is expected to resume on the pier within a week to 10 days.

The grouting procedures involved removing unsuitable matters from the site and replacing them with a concrete substance for added stability.

The procedure will be performed by a specialty contractor and coordinated with the pier contractor to avoid construction delays.

Work on Piers 1 and 2 continues.

An 850-cubic-yard concrete pour was completed at Pier 2 earlier in the week.

The pour -- fourth since Pier 2 work started -- elevated the pier to where it can be observed now.