The utility lines that popped up affected plans for a drainage system. Also, the approaches to the bridge are being filled with a lightweight material that takes much longer to install than other materials such as cement. It’s sensitive to any changes in weather such as moisture and temperature — so on some days, that part of the project is halted, Bradley said.

Because some buildings are so close to the viaduct, it means special consideration must be given to avoid structural damage to them. And construction has to work around the schedule of the Union Pacific Railroad, which is paying for 20 percent of the new $21 million bridge above its tracks.

The Federal Highway Administration is covering 80 percent of the costs. The budget remains the same, despite the delay, Bradley said.

Traffic estimates for that portion of Kingshighway, which connects south St. Louis to Interstate 44 and Highway 40 (Interstate 64), have ranged from 40,000 to 55,000 cars per day. It had long been in disrepair — it was saturated with salt, with deteriorating concrete and chunks breaking off the columns — before being knocked down piece by piece.

The new bridge will be 90 feet wide with three lanes in each direction. The current bridge is 66 feet wide. It also will have 6-foot sidewalks on both sides with 8-inch-high curbs.

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