GOV
Kingshighway Bridge FAQ
Details regarding the Kingshighway Bridge between Shaw and Southwest/Vandeventer
How long until the new bridge opens?
- Demolition of the old bridge began July 6, 2015. Construction is expected to take 2 years. View the timeline table for updates on the construction schedule.
- Partial Opening Scheduled for May 2017, four lanes of Kingshighway open by May 2017; full opening targeted for July 2017. Read the related news announcement for additional details.
Why is the bridge being rebuilt?
- The old viaduct was 75 + years old. The deck was saturated with salt, the concrete was deteriorating, and there was significant spalling of rebar in several columns of the bridge.
What is being done to manage traffic during construction?
- The detour route was enhanced with additional lanes to handle increased traffic
- Shaw will remain open at all times once the bridge comes down.
Which Metro bus routes will this impact?
- For up to date info on bus re-routing and bus stop changes, visit Metro's Rider Alert page.
What is the best route for bicyclists in this area?
- For a map of city streets with shared or buffered bike lanes, please visit Bike St. Louis.
What will the new bridge look like?
- The new bridge will be wider than the old - 90 feet instead of the current 66 feet
- Still 3 lanes in each direction and no shoulders, but each lane wider than on the old bridge to provide a more comfortable feel for drivers and pedestrians
- 6' wide sidewalks on both sides of the bridge with an 8" curb height
- There are no bike lanes on S. Kingshighway as traffic is too heavy (55,000 vehicles a day cross the bridge). Bicyclists will continue to use Macklind and Tower Grove Avenue.
What is being done to improve Shaw Avenue?
- Traffic flow on Shaw at Kingshighway will also be improved as part of this project
- Shaw, East of Kingshighway, will move farther south than its present location
- A dedicated left turn lane will allow Southbound Kingshighway to turn East on Shaw (presently no left turn allowed)
- Shaw, East of Kingshighway, will now align with the western portion, eliminating the current zigzag configuration.
- View images of the redesigned intersection
How much is this costing and how is it being paid for?
- The total cost of the project is about $21 million in design, land acquisition, and construction.
- 80% of the funding is from the Federal Highway Administration
- 20% of the funding is from Union Pacific Railroad
Kingshighway Bridge Construction Progress
Date | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2015 | |
| July - September | Bridge demolition |
| September - October | Laclede Gas relocate underground gas lines (finish before heating season) |
| October - December | Ameren relocate electrical lines (start after end of cooling season) |
| October - December | Relocation of water lines and fire hydrants |
| November | Construction of O'Connell's East Parking Lot |
| November | Widen Eastbound I-44 off ramp to Kingshighway |
| 2016 | |
| January | Stabilize sewer infrastructure, install liner in existing sewer |
| Approximately Feb 2016 -Apr 2017 | Bridge Construction. Bridge scheduled to be open for traffic by April 2017. Though there will still be ancillary construction going on around the bridge for several months after April 2017. |
| Fall | Unknown underground utilities, along with adverse weather conditions, slow progress. Opening scheduled for May 2017 |
| 2017 | |
| April | Partial Opening Scheduled |
| May | Four lanes of Kingshighway will be open |
| June | Bridge scheduled to be fully opened for traffic |
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