Modjeski and Masters (M&M) provided Phase I, II and III engineering services for the replacement of the original east approach structure to the Martin Luther King Bridge over the Mississippi River, including miscellaneous repairs and roadway improvements to six other structures in the approach complex. M&M also provided highway lighting design.

The original 15-span main approach structure consisted of a simply supported, 250’-0” long, steel through truss span and an assortment of multi-beam and curved girder spans built in the 1950s. The existing structure was centered between two adjacent approach ramp structures, built in the 1990s to accommodate the evolving traffic corridor on the Illinois side of the MLK Bridge.

The new structure consists of a five-span steel hybrid plate girder structure, curved as required, supported by large diameter pipe pile piers and stub abutments on piles. The structure is situated between two adjacent approach ramp structures, built in the 1990s. The structure spans relocated IL Route 3, three sets of railroad tracks, Missouri Avenue, a pump station deep well facility, and I-55SB/64WB.

The retaining wall at the east abutment was also replaced with an MSE wall, reconfigured to provide additional sight distance. Due to design concerns, the MSE wall utilized lightweight cellular concrete.

Miscellaneous repairs, including expansion joint replacements, longitudinal joint removals, abutment repairs, bridge deck sealing, barrier replacement, and painting were provided for six other structures which were closed during construction. An HMA overlay with a waterproofing membrane system was added to two of the interstate structures. An existing concrete overlay was removed and replaced with a microsilica overlay on a separate approach structure.