ST. LOUIS (AP) -- A Mississippi River bridge project between St. Louis and East St. Louis, Illinois, is taking a step forward.

  Geology workers began drilling in the river Monday. They'll work from a barge to gather information about the riverbed and bedrock. That should help determine how piers should be designed for the new bridge.

  After years of disagreement, Missouri and Illinois announced plans earlier this year to move forward with the new four-lane span at one of the nation's busiest crossings. It is expected to take up to seven years to complete.

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