July 2018
Walsh Construction to Rebuild 129-Year-Old Merchants Bridge
CHICAGO, IL - Walsh Construction has been selected by the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) to rebuild the Merchants Bridge, including its three main spans and the east approach spanning the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and Venice, Illinois.
Built in 1889, Merchants Bridge is the oldest rail structure over the Mississippi River. The $172 million rebuilding project will bring the structure up to current rail standards, adding capacity to the current rail system while ensuring the safety and resiliency of the national freight rail network.
“We are honored to partner with the TRRA to replace this historic structure. We look forward to working with a talented local workforce that includes companies such as St. Louis Bridge Construction to improve this vital freight connection over the Mississippi River,” said Dan Sieve, senior project manager at Walsh Construction.
TRRA and Walsh Construction will incorporate subcontracting opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises as part of the project.
Walsh Construction is one of the largest construction services providers and has been recognized as the largest bridge builder in the United States for the past five consecutive years by Engineering News-Record. Walsh has experience in delivering high-profile structures that cross major roadways and waterways, including bridge replacements over the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.