The Don Welge Memorial Bridge, which crosses the Mississippi River and connects Perryville and Chester, Illinois, is set for a grand opening this Saturday, July 11. Perryville and Chester are both hosting events to celebrate the opening, which will include a ribbon cutting and a 5k across the bridge.
The project to replace the historic Chester Iron Bridge has taken four years to complete, with the search for funding beginning in 2022, and construction beginning in 2023. In March 2023, the Ames Team—comprised of Ames Construction Inc. and Parsons Transportation Group—was selected to design and build the Don Welge Memorial Bridge. The project features a three-tower, cable-stayed bridge and represents a combined investment of approximately $307.1 million by MoDOT and IDOT.
Director of Perry County Economic Authority Crystal Jones said the bridge is being named after Don Welge because he was a prominent member of both cities the bridge will be connecting.
“Don Welge was the president and CEO of Gilster Mary Lee, And of course, with Gilster having a presence in both Illinois and Missouri, in Chester and then beyond in Illinois and then in Perryville in Missouri, he is a very important businessman for both communities, both Chester and Perryville,” Jones said. “So it just seemed fitting that the bridge was named after him since he was kind of a link between the two cities, providing jobs and opportunities for residents.”
The opening ceremonies begin at 7 a.m. with Mid America Rehab’s annual 5k race that benefits the school district in Perry County. This year’s race will benefit the school district in Chester as well.
After the race concludes at 9 a.m., the bridge will be open for the public to walk until 11 a.m. The official opening will follow, with presentations by dignitaries representing both Perryville and Chester, and a ribbon cutting at noon. After the ribbon cutting, there will be another hour for the public to walk the bridge, ending at 1 p.m.
All of the day’s activities will take place on the Missouri side of the bridge. Parking will be available at the Perryville Airport and the Cohen complex in Chester. Shuttle buses will bring people to and from the bridge. There will be limited handicapped parking closer to the bridge. Jones said parking is expected to be limited, so carpooling is recommended. She said there will be screens near the bridge live streaming the ceremonies for overflow crowds that can’t make it to the bridge for the ribbon cutting.
Both Perryville and Chester Chambers of Commerce will be selling merchandise at the event including shirts and challenge coins. Jones said the chambers are doing a patriotic theme as the opening comes a week after Independence Day.
“This is not only an important event for both communities and for both states, it’s also the 250th anniversary of the United States, so I think this is a great way to commemorate America’s history by opening this bridge,” Jones said. “And so we’re excited. We’re excited to honor Don Welge. For the contributions he made to both communities in both states, and then also to get this bridge open for the safety of travelers.”
It will be a short time after the ribbon cutting and grand opening before the Missouri Department of Transportation opens the bridge for vehicles to cross.
The old bridge is set to be demolished some time after the new bridge is fully open for travellers, but an official date for demolition has not yet been set.
Parking and event information
Public parking will be available at the Perryville Regional Airport, 1856 Highway H, Perryville, Missouri and at Cohen Complex, 3402 Bodes Lane, Chester, Illinois. Shuttle buses will transport visitors to and from the event site beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing through the conclusion of the events. Individuals with mobility concerns may contact MoDOT at (573) 380-5305 for parking assistance.
A separately organized 5K run/walk will begin at 7 a.m. on the bridge. Only registered participants will be allowed on the new Don Welge Memorial Bridge prior to 9 a.m.
Following the race event, the bridge will be open to the public during the following times:
