Willow Springs, Mo. - The bridge over Louse Creek on Route E, Oregon County, reopened to traffic today. The bridge had been closed under the Missouri Department of Transportations (MoDOT) Safe & Sound program. Work on the bridge was completed in only 43 days by Joe's Bridge & Grading, Inc. of Poplar Bluff, Mo., at a cost of $222,052.
The bridge was expected to be closed to traffic for 45 days to replace the bridge deck, but was completed ahead of schedule. According to MoDOT Bridge Engineer Ed Hess while the girders and columns were still in good condition, the deck was not.
The Safe & Sound bridge improvement program targets 802 of Missouri's lowest rated bridges for rehabilitation or replacement within the next five years. The Louse Creek bridge will be the thirteenth bridge completed under Safe & Sound.
Hess said the district Safe & Sound team is sensitive to the impact felt during bridge closures. "We initially communicated with key stakeholders to discuss school bus routes, emergency response and other challenges that may result during construction," Hess said. In addition, changeable message boards were placed near the bridge to remind motorists prior to its closure. "We can't thank the local residents enough for their patience and understanding", said Hess. Thanks also go to Joe's Bridge and Grading, Inc. and crew for their hard work in completing the project early.
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. Complete listings 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 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. Transportation information is available online at www.modot.org/Southcentral.
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