JACKSON TO REPLACE BRIDGE ON OLD CAPE ROAD

JACKSON -- The Goose Creek bridge on Old Cape Road near the closed Kasten Building Center is scheduled to be replaced in late 1994, said Jackson City Engineer Rich Bowen.

Although the existing bridge is still in good condition, it restricts the flow of water when flooding occurs on Goose Creek, Bowen explained.

"The excess water overflows the creek onto Old Cape Road and other nearby private property and creates a traffic hazard for motorists," said Bowen.

"The water problem is only going to get worse as development continues upstream from the bridge, which will result in an even greater runoff of water into the creek," he said.

Jackson Mayor Paul Sander said he's pleased the project is finally getting under way. Said Sander: "We're very happy that after this long period of time the bridge will finally be replaced. We also plan to reduce the sharp curve that is located between the west end of the bridge and the railroad tracks."

Funding for the bridge will be 75 percent Federal Aid to Urban and 25 percent in Jackson transportation sales tax money.

Bowen said planning for the bridge began about five years ago when the city received federal funds to replace it. But the city had to get the state to approve the design criteria. That took longer than usual because the Missouri Highway and Transportation Department had maintained there was sufficient hydraulic clearance under the bridge. The state finally agreed to the design for the bridge early this year.

Bowen said: "Many years ago the hydraulic design of the bridge probably was acceptable. But there has been a lot of development upstream from the bridge that has increased runoff into the creek. That runoff will continue to increase with future development.

"We did most of the preliminary design work about three or four years ago. We are now in the process of determining how much right-of-way we'll need, and from whom. I would say in about three months an overall drawing of the bridge will be completed," said Bowen. "I have suggested the board of aldermen hold a group meeting to discuss the bridge project with those affected."

The bridge will be a pre-cast, pre-stressed concrete deck structure supported by four sections of steel beam piers. It will be approximately 100 feet long and 36 feet wide.

"That's a lot more than what we've got out there right now," said Bowen.