Mississippi Street Bridge

Cochran worked with the City of Crystal City on a multi-phase improvement project to address aging infrastructure along Mississippi Avenue, which was built in 1900, and improve one of the City’s important transportation corridors. The work began with replacement of a timber bridge that had been in service for more than a century and continued with roadway, drainage and pedestrian improvements along Mississippi Avenue.

Phase 1 focused on improvements to 11th Avenue from Missouri Avenue to Mississippi Avenue and Mississippi Avenue from 11th Avenue to 8th Avenue. The project included replacement of the existing timber bridge, roadway improvements, pavement work, sidewalks, storm sewer improvements, street lighting and streetscape enhancements. The new bridge and roadway improvements provided a more reliable connection while addressing the aging infrastructure along the corridor.

Phase 2 continued the improvements along Mississippi Avenue from 1st Street to 6th Avenue. This phase addressed significant infrastructure needs, including aging cobblestone pavement and inadequate drainage systems, while improving pedestrian access and the overall streetscape. Improvements included full-depth 8-inch concrete pavement replacement, removal and replacement of historic cobblestones, storm sewer improvements, ADA-compliant ramps, 5-foot-wide concrete sidewalks, concrete driveway approaches and vertical curb. Decorative street lighting, signage and sodding were also incorporated to improve the appearance and functionality of the corridor while maintaining elements of Crystal City’s historic character.

Cochran provided surveying, engineering design, funding application assistance, bidding documents, bidding assistance and construction inspection for both phases. As federally funded projects, the plans and project documentation were prepared in accordance with MoDOT’s Local Public Agency (LPA) requirements.

Together, the two phases transformed Mississippi Avenue from a corridor with an aging bridge, pavement and drainage infrastructure into a safer, more accessible and functional connection through Crystal City. The projects also balanced necessary infrastructure improvements with streetscape elements that helped preserve the character of the community.