TRRA picks Walsh to rebuild Mississippi River rail bridge

The Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (TRRA) has chosen Walsh Construction to rebuild the Merchants Bridge spanning the Mississippi River.

Built in 1889, the bridge is the oldest rail structure over the Mississippi River, Walsh officials said in a press release. The $172 million project calls for bringing the bridge up to current rail standards and adding capacity.

The project includes rebuilding the bridge's three main spans and its east approach that runs across the Mississippi between St. Louis and Venice, Illinois.

TRRA and Walsh will incorporate subcontracting opportunities for disadvantaged business enterprises as part of the project.

Walsh has built other structures crossing major roadways and waterways, including bridge replacements over the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

"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.