News From

State Representative Ron Stephens

For Immediate Release: May 30, 2008

Contact: Rep. Stephens

618-651-0405

Stephens: New Mississippi River bridge should be named “Veterans Bridge”

Springfield…. A resolution calling for the new Mississippi River bridge to be named “Veterans Bridge” has been submitted to the House of Representatives by Representative Ron Stephens (R-Highland).

The I-70 bridge, which is to be constructed, would connect Illinois and Missouri north of the already existing Martin Luther King Bridge. Currently, the majority of traffic comes over the Poplar Street Bridge. It is projected that peak hour congestion could double in the next 20 years, leading to a total breakdown of the St. Louis highway transportation system. The new bridge will create a crossing by relocating Interstate 70 and Illinois Route 3, improving access and circulation in downtown St. Louis.

Stephens believes naming the bridge after the brave men and women of the armed forces is a proper tribute.

“We should honor our noble soldiers at every opportunity, and naming this new bridge after them is just one small way we as Illinois and Missouri citizens can show our appreciation for their sacrifices,” Stephens said.

Stephens has contacted the directors of both the Illinois and Missouri Departments of Transportation. He is also reaching out to members of the Missouri legislature to make the naming of the bridge a joint venture, much like the bridge itself.

“This bridge will be good for both states. Not only will it reduce traffic congestion on the already existing bridges, but will also create many new jobs in both Illinois and Missouri,” Stephens said. “Such a worthwhile project deserves a very honorable and worthwhile name, and what is more honorable than our brave soldiers and veterans?”

The resolution is filed as HJR124.

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