This is the fourth bridge we have had to close on our (Missouri) state system in the last month, HANNIBAL - This morning, MoDOT bridge inspectors discovered one of the piers on the bridge over Elkhorn Creek is missing 50% of steel, making it unsafe to cross. The bridge will close immediately. This is the fourth bridge we have had to close on our state system in the last month, said MoDOT District Engineer Paula Gough. The bridge is 85 years old and carries around 800 vehicles each day. She added it is extremely important no vehicles cross the bridge. The bridge near Middletown on MO 161 over Coon Creek is currently being replaced. The road is closed, but MoDOT expects the bridge replacement to be completed by the end of this week. We cannot wait until the Coon Creek bridge is open, because this is a significant safety issue, Gough explained. A detour is currently in place because of the bridge closure at Coon Creek, and the same detour will be used while this bridge is closed. We do not have a definitive time frame for the length of closure, because we have to determine the extent of the problem. Gough said. Our engineers are evaluating options for fixing the pier or replacing the bridge, she explained. However, Gough notes there are no funds allocated for fixing this bridge. This bridge will remain closed for a significant amount of time, she added. The attached picture shows the pier on the left that has more than 50% of its steel missing. The bridge is located near Buell, south of Middletown, on MO 161. modot.org/northeast/newsandinformation/District3Release.shtml?action=displaySSI&newsId=198291
Posted on: Mon, 15 Sep 2014 17:27:32 +0000
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