Willow Springs, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced the completion of improvements to the bridge over the Eleven Point River on Route 17 in Howell County. Work on the bridge was expected to last up to 60 days, but it re-opened after just 53 days of construction at a cost of $314,500.

Associate County Commissioners Bill Lovelace and Mark Collins were among those celebrating the early re-opening of the Route 17 Bridge over the Eleven Point River in Howell County. "On behalf of the County Commissioners, I'd like to thank MoDOT for improving the safety for our citizens", said Associate County Commissioner Lovelace.

The Eleven Point Bridge, which had been closed since March 2, is among the first three of 802 bridges in Missouri to be rehabilitated under the Safe & Sound bridge improvement program.  The structure was built in 1958 and measures 248 feet. The new deck is 2 feet wider than the previous. According to South Central District Safe & Sound Coordinator Ed Hess, while the girders and columns were still in good condition, the deck was not. "We repeatedly had to patch the deck", Hess said. "The deck was in poor condition."

The closure had resulted in a longer commute for those who travel, live or work on Route 17. "We can't thank the local residents enough for their patience and understanding", said Hess. Additional thanks go to L. Krupp Construction, Inc. and crew for their efforts in completing the project early.

The goal of the Safe & Sound program is to improve 802 bridges during the next 5 years. Closing the bridges speeds construction and reduces cost; enabling MoDOT to restore additional structures. Missouri has a total of 10,224 bridges on the state highway system, with 1,046 in poor or serious condition. The Safe & Sound program will address the majority of these bridges.

A web page has been developed for 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. A complete listing of all bridges included in the program, as well as a map that can help traffic navigate around closures are among the resources available.

For additional information regarding this or other transportation-related topics, call MoDOT, toll-free, at 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636). Customers also may email the customer service center at d9csc@modot.mo.gov. Transportation information for the South Central District of MoDOT is available online at www.modot.org/southcentral.

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Route 17 Bridge Photo