The Illinois House has passed a joint resolution to name the new Chester Bridge as the "Don Welge Memorial Bridge."
State Senator Terri Bryant from Murphysboro led the effort to name the bridge in honor of the former Chester resident and long-time bridge advocate.
The Don Welge Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River runs along Illinois Route 150 and Missouri Route 51, and is located between Chester, Illinois and Perryville, Missouri. The new bridge will be wider and taller, allowing for more vehicles and helping to prevent floods.
Completion of the new bridge is anticipated by the end of 2026 and includes funding from both Illinois and Missouri.
