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Don Welge Memorial Bridge – Built by Ames

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Years of planning, coordination, and construction led to this moment: Drivers will begin crossing the Mississippi River on the new Don Welge Memorial Bridge on July 13, following a community celebration and ribbon cutting on July 11. To cap off the multi-year project, the Chester Chamber of Commerce named Ames Construction 2026 Business of the Year alongside our trade partners, designers, and everyone who contributed to the bridge’s construction. The bridge connecting Chester, Illinois, and Perryville, Missouri, stands as a shared accomplishment and a lasting investment in the region.

Thank you to the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Illinois Department of Transportation, our crews and partners for the dedication and collaboration that made this moment possible.


Hear from the Ames team that helped bring the project to life.

Ribbon-cutting photo by Parsons Corporation