Willow Springs, Mo. - The bridge over the Eleven Point River on Route 17 is expected to reopen to traffic next week, weather permitting. According to Missouri Department of Transportation Intermediate Construction Inspector Chris Moore, the expected opening is ahead of the original scheduled completion date.

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

According to MoDOT South Central District Safe & Sound Coordinator Ed Hess this is the first South Central Safe & Sound bridge to reopen after being temporarily closed, Mar. 2, to allow crews with Krupp Construction to replace the bridge deck.

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).