Willow Springs, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced construction will begin on the bridge over the Big River on Route U, Washington County on May 26. HBI Construction, LLC, of Villa Ridge, Mo., will perform the work. The bridge will be temporarily closed for construction, allowing crews to replace the bridge deck. Motorists can utilize Route M to Route 8 as a detour.
The Big River Bridge is one of the 802 bridges to be rehabilitated under the Safe & Sound program. The deck of the bridge was determined to be in poor condition and had been patched several times. The replacement deck will provide a smoother surface and improve the longevity of the structure.
According to MoDOT South Central District Safe & Sound Coordinator, Ed Hess, the Safe & Sound team is sensitive to the impact the closure will have on those who travel on Route U. "We initially communicated with many key stakeholders to discuss school bus routes, emergency response and other challenges that may result during construction," Hess 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 for information and updates on all Safe & Sound projects, including Route U."
Changeable message boards have also been placed near the bridge to remind motorists of the closure. "We hope this daily reminder will allow those who drive through the area to plan ahead," Hess said.
The construction contract states that work must be complete and the bridge reopened within 60 days. Closing the bridge shortens construction time and reduces costs to taxpayers.
Safe & Sound signage has been added to the bridges scheduled to be rehabilitated under the Safe & Sound program within the next five years. 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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