City of Chester, Illinois Mayor's Office

09/02/2026

08/24/2026

2027 Municipal Election Petitions

Candidates can begin circulating petitions on August 25, 2026, for the Consolidated Election to be held on April 6, 2027. Candidate packets can be picked up at Chester City Hall during normal operating hours.

08/20/2026

Don Welge Memorial Bridge Shirts are available at city hall for $10.00

08/06/2026

Please share!

The cup was left at the City's recent splash event.

The tassel was found down at the river.

If you or someone you know is missing either of these items, we have them on hold at City Hall!

07/23/2026

Important Notice!

Monday, July 27th, the Chester Welcome Center will be closed until further notice due to renovations of the parking lot. We are unable to provide an estimated end date at this time. We appreciate your patience!

07/22/2026

Interested in memorabilia from the new Don Welge Memorial Bridge opening? These items are available at City Hall for FREE! Come get them while they last!

07/09/2026

MoDOT PRESS RELEASE:

July 09, 2026

Don Welge Memorial Bridge Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Scheduled for July 11 at 11 a.m.

SIKESTON, Mo. – The Missouri and Illinois Departments of Transportation will host a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the Don Welge Memorial Bridge on Saturday, July 11, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will take place on the newly constructed bridge.
The Don Welge Memorial Bridge spans the Mississippi River and connects Perryville, Missouri, and Chester, Illinois via Missouri Route 51/Illinois Route 150.
In March 2023, the Ames Team—comprised of Ames Construction Inc. and Parsons Transportation Group—was selected to design and build the Don Welge Memorial Bridge. The project features a three-tower, cable-stayed bridge and represents a combined investment of approximately $307.1 million by MoDOT and IDOT.
Event Schedule
A separately organized 5K run/walk will begin at 7 a.m. on the bridge. Only registered participants will be allowed on the new Don Welge Memorial Bridge prior to 9 a.m.
Following the race event, the Don Welge Memorial Bridge will be open to the public during the following times:
• 9 to 11 a.m. – Public bridge walk
• 11 a.m. to noon – Bridge opening ceremony and ribbon cutting
• Noon to 1 p.m. – Public bridge walk
Parking and Shuttle Information
Public parking will be available at the Perryville Regional Airport, 1856 Highway H, Perryville, Missouri and at Cohen Complex, 3402 Bodes Lane, Chester, Illinois. Shuttle buses will transport visitors to and from the event site beginning at 9 a.m. and continuing through the conclusion of the events. Individuals with mobility concerns may contact MoDOT at (573) 380-5305 for parking assistance.
The current Chester Bridge will remain open to traffic throughout the duration of events.
Visitor Information
• Public access to the bridge will begin at 9 a.m.
• Pets, large or hard-side coolers, alcohol or glass bottles are not permitted.
• Skateboards, inline skates, skate shoes, scooters, and other recreational vehicles are prohibited.
• Drones are prohibited.
For more information, contact MoDOT Communications Manager Nicole Thieret at (573) 380-5305