Willow Springs, Mo. - During the February meeting of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission a contract was awarded for improvements to the bridge over the Louse Creek on Route E in Oregon County. The contract was awarded to Joe's Bridge & Grading, Inc. of Poplar Bluff, Mo., at a total cost of $222,052.   This work is included under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) bridge improvement program known as Safe & Sound.

The bridge has been identified as one among 802 across the state with critical improvement needs. These 802 bridges will be repaired or replaced through the MoDOT Safe & Sound bridge improvement program within five years.

According to MoDOT Bridge Engineer Ed Hess, the public will be notified in advance of construction start. "The agreement requires the contractor to give us 30 days notice before they start work so we will be able to inform the public well in advance," he said. "The bridge will be temporarily closed for 45 days during construction to replace the bridge deck," MoDOT is sensitive to the impact that will be felt by those who travel Route E during the closure. We have already been in touch with many key stakeholders to discuss school bus routes, emergency response and more and anyone with questions regarding this project is welcome to contact the department."

A web page has been developed to house the latest information regarding the Safe & Sound program. To view this information, visit www.modot.org/southcentral and click on the Safe & Sound 800 Better Bridges icon.

For additional information regarding the Safe & Sound program 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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