August 20 – 7 pm
Orris Theater
Presenter: David Duke of Ames Construction Company
Sponsored by Gilster Mary Lee
For 80 years, the Chester Bridge has connected travelers across the Mississippi River, serving as a vital link between east and west. But time has taken its toll—the current bridge now shows clear signs of wear, with aging concrete and steel.
That’s why a new era is on the horizon. The Don Welge Memorial Bridge, named in honor of longtime Chester resident and bridge advocate Don Welge, is now under construction. This replacement bridge, on track for completion by July 2026, will ensure safe and modern travel for generations to come.
Join us for an exciting presentation by David Duke of Ames Construction Company, the team leading this major project. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how the bridge came to be—from early setup and design work to the bidding process and ongoing construction. The presentation includes: photos and time-lapse video footage of the build as well as insights into the engineering and logistics.