EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. — A large hole discovered on the eastbound Interstate 64 bridge in East St. Louis has prompted urgent bridge repairs and traffic restrictions, officials confirmed.
The damage was reported Friday night on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, along a critical stretch between the Poplar Street Bridge and the I-64/55/70 interchange.
Authorities said a section of the bridge deck above Trendley Road gave way, leaving a gaping opening where pavement had collapsed. Images from the scene revealed only a steel support grid remaining, with a clear view of the roadway below.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) quickly installed a temporary steel plate over the damaged area on Saturday to stabilize traffic while crews prepared for permanent repairs.
Beginning Monday morning, IDOT is implementing emergency repair work that will significantly impact traffic flow. Two lanes on the Poplar Street Bridge heading into Illinois will be closed, along with lane restrictions on eastbound I-64 extending to Barack Obama Avenue.
The closures are scheduled to remain in place from 7 a.m. Monday through 4 p.m. Wednesday, depending on weather conditions. However, collector-distributor lanes that provide access to exit ramps will remain open during the repairs.
Transportation officials are urging drivers to expect delays, reduce speed in the work zone, and plan for additional travel time while the repairs are underway.
The situation highlights ongoing infrastructure concerns along one of the region’s busiest interstate corridors, which serves as a key connection between Missouri and Illinois.