Demolition of 84-year-old Chester bridge this month

The demolition of an 84-year-old southern Illinois bridge is on track with blasting tentatively scheduled for late September.

Ever since the Missouri and Illinois Departments of Transportation hosted a party on July 11 to celebrate the completion of Chester's new $30 million span across the Mississippi River, the early phases of demolition have been taking place. 

As of the last week of August, crews were removing the concrete deck. After that, the contractor will cut the steel truss apart into pieces over the railroad tracks.

Finally, they’ll blast the rest of the truss sections into the river for pickup. That demolition has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19 at 9 a.m.

The Chester Parks and Recreation Department is selling raffle tickets to choose who will get to push the button to set off the demolition charges. Tickets are $50 and on sale at Chester City Hall. The winner will be drawn Friday the 18th.