Walsh to rebuild Merchants Bridge for TRRA

Photo: Walsh Construction

The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) has selected Walsh Construction to rebuild the Merchants Bridge.

The reconstruction work will also include the bridge’s three main spans and the east approach spanning the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Mo., and Venice, Ill.

The $172 million project is intended to bring the structure to current rail standards, boost capacity along the current rail system and improve safety and resiliency for the national freight rail network.

“We are honored to partner with the TRRA to replace this historic structure,” said Dan Sieve, senior project manager at Walsh Construction. “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.”

TRRA and Walsh Construction are set to incorporate subcontracting opportunities for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises as part of the project.

The Merchants Bridge is the oldest rail structure above the Mississippi River and was built in 1889, officials said.