Located along the Missouri River about an hour west of St. Louis, Hermann, Mo., is known for its rich German heritage, beautiful vineyards, and historic, old-world architecture. Founded by German immigrants in the 19th century, who were drawn to the area because of its similarity to the Rhine valleys in Germany, Hermann is a popular destination. It attracts thousands of tourists each year.
Residents and visitors rely on crucial infrastructure like the Market Street Bridge, an on-system bridge which crosses Frene Creek on Missouri Route 19. The original bridge was installed in the 1800s; an updated version was unveiled in the 1930s.
The Market Street Bridge rehabilitation project was spearheaded by Don Schnieders Excavating Company, Inc., which turned to Valmont, an industry leader in global infrastructure solutions, to provide a bridge solution that would ensure the safe, swift installation and durability needed for this critical update.
Valmont also teamed with Civil Design, Inc., the principal engineering firm for the project, and TEG Civil Engineering, the engineer of record for the girders. In addition to tapping its U-BEAM bridge solution as the right fit, Valmont collaborated with its partners to provide additional engineering expertise during the planning process to ensure the 118-foot long bridge met all necessary standards and specifications.
The bridge closed to traffic, and construction began in June 2024, with a short 75-day window for contractors to complete the rehabilitation project. After careful planning with its project partners, Valmont created 15 customized U-BEAMs and delivered them ready for safe and seamless installation; no field welding or on-site adjustments were needed. All but one of the beams were installed in a single day. Due to inclement weather, the final beam was set the following day. The contractors could then move on to the next phase of the project, deck installation.
After construction, the Market Street Bridge officially reopened with a community-wide celebration and a classic car parade to mark the milestone.
As a vital route, having the two-lane bridge back in service so quickly eased traffic pressure on neighborhood streets and restored a smooth flow for daily commuters and visitors. It not only conserved resources but also stands to improve life in Hermann with wider lanes and the new ADA-compliant pedestrian walkway. Additionally, it was raised by four inches, addressing concerns about potential minor flooding in the area.
Ultimately, the bridge solution spells future cost savings by reducing future maintenance needs, thanks to the strength and longevity of the galvanized steel U-BEAMs.
Valmont is proud to be a partner in ensuring communities like Hermann have safe, reliable infrastructure that supports future growth and resilience.