Transportation advocates are vowing to keep up the pressure for a new Louisiana bridge and an upgrade of Highway 54.

Members of the Better 54 Coalition met Wednesday in Bowling Green to discuss the two projects, which they call vital to a healthy regional economy in Northeast Missouri.

Results from a study of Pike County businesses and industries should be available next week, and they’re expected to back the coalition’s contentions.

Missouri doesn’t have the money for a replacement of the 87-year-old Champ Clark Bridge, but has chosen a preliminary site for a new structure and should complete an environmental study within a couple of months.

The Missouri Department of Transportation has pledged to proceed with design work once funding is available.

The agency plans to apply for federal grants that would specifically include a replacement crossing. In addition, state lawmakers are looking at an increase in the gas tax to raise funding.

The coalition also is backing an upgrade of Highway 54 to a shared four-lane from Louisiana to Mexico.