SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois State Senator Terri Bryant’s (R-Murphysboro) efforts to name the new Chester Bridge as the “Don Welge Memorial Bridge” in honor of former Chester resident and long-time bridge advocate Don Welge, has become a reality after the recent passage of House Joint Resolution 38.
“Don Welge contributed so much to not only the Chester community, but our entire region,” said Sen. Bryant. “It was a longstanding dream of Don to create a bigger and better bridge to support Chester and the surrounding area, so it is only fitting that we name this new bridge in honor of him.”
“Don Welge worked tirelessly the last 15 years of his life to raise awareness of the need for a new bridge at Chester,” said Tom Welge, Don’s son. “He was an advocate for our communities and businesses in southwest Illinois and southeast Missouri. Our family is honored to have this new bridge named in his memory.”
The Don Welge Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River runs along Illinois Route 150 and Missouri Route 51, and is located between Chester, Ill. and Perryville, Mo. The new bridge will be wider and taller, allowing for more vehicles and helping to prevent floods.
“Currently, we see an average of 7,000 vehicles per day cross over this bridge, making it a critical structure for the region’s economy,” continued Sen. Bryant. “I am certain that Don will be smiling down upon us during next Tuesday’s groundbreaking.”
Completion of the new bridge is anticipated by the end of 2026 and includes funding from both Illinois and Missouri.