KCI Wins 2025 AGC of Missouri Keystone Award
KCI Construction is proud to announce that we have been awarded the 2025 AGC of Missouri Keystone Award for Highway and Transportation Construction in the $20–$75 million category for our work on the Jefferson Barracks Bridge Rehabilitation.
As general contractor for the Missouri Department of Transportation, KCI successfully led the major rehabilitation of the twin Jefferson Barracks Bridges, which carry Interstate 255 traffic between Missouri and Illinois over the Mississippi River. This $52 million project was completed under an ambitious 24-month schedule and demanded innovative problem-solving, precision execution, and an unwavering commitment to safety.
Tackling One of the Region’s Most Complex Bridge Rehabs
The scope of work grew significantly once construction began, encompassing nearly every aspect of bridge repair — from polyester polymer concrete deck resurfacing and barrier curb repairs to substructure concrete restoration, steel recoating, drainage upgrades, and critical traffic control management.
Crews installed over 141,000 square feet of deck platforms to safely access steel components, performed 13,000 gallons of lead-safe coating applications, and completed zero incidents throughout the duration of the project — an extraordinary safety accomplishment given the scale and complexity of the work.
High-risk operations included welding inside 6×6-foot steel arch boxes reaching 160°F and performing precision work more than 180 feet above the river. KCI’s proactive safety measures and careful planning ensured both worker protection and environmental preservation throughout the project.
Engineering Innovation and Precision Execution
To replace the bridge’s massive 30,000-pound expansion joints and complete the cable and steel retrofits, KCI engineered a custom trigger-and-pulley system that prevented overstressing the existing structure. The team also developed an innovative approach to metalizing bridge cables, providing long-term corrosion protection and durability.
In partnership with Thomas Industrial Coatings and Liberty Maintenance, KCI oversaw the installation of more than 150,000 square feet of suspended scaffolding for steel repair access. The recoating effort covered approximately 660,000 square feet of steel surfaces, all completed under full containment to protect the river and surrounding environment.
A Model for Diversity and Workforce Development
KCI exceeded MoDOT’s minority workforce participation goal of 14.7%, achieving an impressive 21.9% minority participation rate. The company also contributed to workforce development by employing and training a minority trainee who earned 764.5 hours of on-the-job experience.
Building Excellence, Safely and Collaboratively
The Jefferson Barracks Bridge Rehabilitation project exemplifies KCI’s ability to take on complex, high-risk infrastructure work while maintaining exceptional standards of safety, innovation, and teamwork.
Winning the AGC Keystone Award reflects not only the skill and dedication of the entire project team, but also KCI’s ongoing commitment to building the infrastructure that connects communities across the Midwest.
