JEFFERSON CITY—State Sen. Gary Romine, R-Farmington, along with Rep. Kevin Engler, R-Farmington, and Rep. Linda Black, D-Desloge, filed legislation today to name a section of Interstate 70 in honor of Andy Gammon, a carpenter who tragically lost his life while constructing the new Mississippi River Bridge in St. Louis.

There has been growing support in recent weeks to name that bridge after Gammon. Many people, though, have pushed for the new bridge to be named after Stan “The Man” Musial, the former Cardinals baseball player who passed away on Jan. 19. However, as the bridge is part of an interstate agreement between Missouri and Illinois, any designation would have to be approved by both states. And ultimately, the federal government has final say over the bridge’s name.

Senator Romine’s legislation would designate the highway, not the bridge, in honor of Andy, an action that falls under the authority of the Missouri Legislature.

“Sometimes in our rush to pay tribute to our heroes, we forget about the normal, but no less heroic, people who surround us,” said Sen. Romine. “Every day, countless Missourians work hard to take care of their families, to do the best job they can at work, to help their friends, to look out for their neighbors, to just be a good person. We might think of these tasks as mundane, but they’re no less admirable than the efforts of a famous athlete, and no less worthy of acknowledgment.”

“Andy was a good man who lost his life serving his state,” continued Rep. Engler. “He didn’t hit hundreds of home runs, or break any national baseball records. But he gave his life working to improve Missouri. That should count for a lot.”

Under the bill, the section of I-70 that runs before and up to halfway across the new Mississippi River bridge, or the Illinois state line, would be designated the Andy Gammon Memorial Highway.

Gammon was 35 years old when he lost his life in a crane accident during construction of the bridge in 2012. He leaves behind a wife and two young children, eight and nine years old.

Gammon’s family said they simply want Andy to be remembered as someone who served his community and state.

“We have viewed the bridge in such a negative light only because we see it as a reminder of the tragedy we suffered,” said Tracy Gammon, Andy’s wife. “And while that sadness will always be there, this tribute to Andy’s honor provides us with a sense of healing and resolve as we move forward. We appreciate the strong efforts of everyone involved so that we may honor the memory of a great father and a wonderful husband.”

The three local lawmakers, Sen. Romine, Rep. Engler and Rep. Black, are working together to see Gammon’s memory honored through the designation.

“We’ve received a lot of support for this measure, and I’m hopeful we can get it passed,” said Rep. Black. “I know it would mean a lot to Andy’s family and his community that he’s remembered and honored. We’ll do everything we can to make sure that happens.”