EAST ST. LOUIS - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced the Martin Luther King (MLK) Bridge will close, weather permitting, beginning October 12 continuing through October 24 to install safety improvements as a result of a department ordered safety study's findings.

"IDOT is constantly striving to improve safety for all motorists utilizing Illinois roadways. These bridge upgrades will improve safety on the MLK Bridge while increasing motorist comfort on the bridge," stated Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig.

The temporary bridge closure is required to remove the existing hot mix asphalt (HMA) surface, construct a waterproof membrane over the existing bridge deck surface, install a new HMA surface, place a new concrete barrier wall, and restripe lanes while installing new guardrail. In addition, bridge lanes will be reconfigured from the existing four lanes (two eastbound and two westbound lanes) to two eastbound lanes and one westbound lane.

"Illinois is striving to have zero fatalities on our roadway system. The installation of the concrete barriers will eliminate cross-over collisions on the MLK Bridge and in turn reduce the number of fatalities," stated IDOT Project Implementation Engineer Jeff Church.

The temporary MLK Bridge closure may create traffic delays and motorists should plan their trips and schedules accordingly. On days with no inclement weather, accidents or other incidents, drivers can expect westbound morning backups to reach Exchange Avenue along I-55/70 and 15th Street on I-64 with the peak being around 8 a.m. The afternoon rush could produce eastbound backups to Tucker on Highway 40, Jefferson on I-44, and Broadway on I-55.

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