Willow Springs, Mo. -The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced work will begin on the Route 17 bridge over the Eleven Point River in Howell County the week of Mar. 2. Contractor L. Krupp Construction, Inc., of Ellisville, Mo, will perform the work.

According to MoDOT South Central District Safe & Sound Coordinator Ed Hess the bridge will be temporarily closed for construction, allowing crews to replace the bridge deck. "Once the bridge closes, the contract states work must be complete and the bridge reopened within 60 days," Hess said. "We are pleased to get work on this bridge underway early in the construction season. The shortened closure time and early start will lessen the impact to the traveling public."

Hess said the district Safe & Sound team is sensitive to the impact that will be felt by those who travel Route 17 during the closure. "We initially communicated with many key stakeholders to discuss school bus routes, emergency response and other challenges that may result during construction," he said. "We are in the process of notifying these same stakeholders of the intent to begin work. In addition, a web site has been created to house the latest updates on all Safe & Sound projects, including Route 17."

Hess also said changeable message boards will soon be placed near the bridge to remind motorists of the pending closure. "We hope this daily reminder will allow those who drive through the area to plan ahead," he said.

To access the web site, visit www.modot.org/southcentral and then click on the Safe & Sound icon. For additional information regarding this or other transportation-related topics, call the MoDOT Customer Service Center, toll-free, at 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636). Customers also may email the center at d9csc@modot.mo.gov.

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