» Vandeventer Bridge

Metro engages in two areas of activity: one, transit operations for MetroLink, MetroBus and Metro Call-A-Ride, and two, capital projects.  “Capital” projects are projects that add to the infrastructure of the system – think buses, railroad ties, bridges, and buildings. Major repairs, too, like replacing parts of the track or the overhead catenary system, come out of our capital budget, much of which is funded by grants from the federal government. These projects help maintain the region’s investments by keeping the system running, and through enhancement projects, running better.

The bridge over Vandeventer Avenue, which held two MetroLink tracks and one freight rail track in the Central West End of St. Louis, was 80 years old and falling apart.  Really, it looked like it was physically sagging.   The $5 million replacement project was possible thanks to a federal grant.  Crews began work on December 26, 2009, and the bridge returned to service on December 31.  Watch a time-lapse of the demolition and construction of the Vandeventer Bridge in six days:

(If you can’t see the embedded video, click here.)

The bridge’s makeover will eventually include streetscape enhancements and replacing a crumbling retaining wall, and will be completed in early spring.  In addition to making the bridge safer to carry MetroLink train cars, the project also increased the bridge’s height clearance for automobilies.  This was Metro’s first “Design-Build” project, where Metro works with one contractor to both design and build the project to avoid time delays and added costs.

So the next time you are driving or walking on Vandeventer Avenue, come check it out!

Congratulations to the Vandeventer Bridge demolition and construction team…the bridge is now open to MetroLink service between the Central West End and Grand stations.  It opens today, three days ahead of schedule.

The $5-million project to replace the 80-year-old bridge is due to a federal grant for transit capital projects.  The bridge had a number of structural defects, including cracks and settling problems:

Vandenventer Bridge before construction

The bridge had settling problem, as shown above

The bridge received a number of structural and cosmetic updates, and opens today at 3pm for MetroLink service.  Vandeventer Avenue will open by the end of January, and the bridge project will be completed in early spring with a new retaining wall and streetscape updates.

Vandeventer Bridge, December 31, 2009

The bridge is able to open ahead of schedule because demolition took less time than expected, cranes were able to lift the catenary rather than remove it, and Metro employees worked alongside constractors to finish the project as quickly as possible.

MetroLink service will operate under normal weekday hours, and will extend to 1 a.m. in the morning to accommodate Convention and First Night crowds.

Congratulations to head of Metro’s Engineering Department, Chris Poehler, Vera Cavato, Project Manager for the Vandeventer Bridge project, and the entire team. Special thanks go to Metro employees who volunteered to help with the bus bridge.

From all of us, please have a safe and wonderful New Year’s celebration!