HANNIBAL - The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission recently awarded a contract for rehabilitating four bridges in Lincoln, Montgomery and Ralls Counties. Improvements will be made to the Bear Creek bridge on Route DD in Lincoln County, the Cuivre River bridge on Route AC and the Bear Creek bridge on Route F in Montgomery County, and the Spencer Creek bridge on Route P in Ralls County. These are some of the first bridges in the state to be repaired under MoDOT's innovative Safe and Sound Bridge Program, and the roads will be closed during construction.

The deck on each of the bridges will be replaced and guardrail will be installed where warranted. The two bridges in Montgomery County will be widened to allow more room to pass, and the load posting will be removed from the Ralls County bridge. These bridges are identified as part of the Safe and Sound Bridge program to repair or replace 802 bridges throughout the state, beginning in 2009 by signs posted near the bridge sites.

Bleigh Construction Company of Hannibal, Mo., was the successful bidder on this project at $1,179,751.80. Work may begin March 16, and must be completed by December 1, 2009.

All road work is posted on the traveler information map on the day it begins.  Those traveling and commuting public are encouraged to check the online map at www.modot.org daily for new work zones.  MoDOT also offers e-update messages sent directly to your email when road work is scheduled.  Sign up online or call MoDOT's customer service center at 1-888-275-6636.