Scott County Commission hears information about MoDOT bridge projects

BENTON, Mo. -- Several bridges in Scott County will become safer over the next few years, thanks to repairs slated by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

On Thursday, county commissioners learned more about the upcoming work in a meeting with Andy Meyer, MoDOT's southeast regional field engineer for the Bridge Improvement Project, the Standard Democrat reported.

"There's a lot going on in this area right now," said Meyer. "Which is a good thing."

Thirteen design-build bridge projects are slated for Scott County, beginning in May and running through mid-2012. These projects include total bridge replacements.

To discuss the projects and get feedback from those who will be affected by the bridge improvement projects, the Department will host an open house community briefing, set for 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday at its Southeast District Office, located at 2675 N. Main in Sikeston. Those who attend will receive handouts on the projects and discuss detour routes.

The 13 projects range from drainage ditches that won't affect a lot of traffic to larger projects including the replacement of a steel girder at the Route H overpass of Interstate 55 which will shut down the interstate for a few hours, and the replacement of the Caney Creek bridge on Highway 77 just south of Chaffee, which will also require a road closure, explained Meyer.

"You're going to see a lot of diversions or people taking the county roads who might not usually go that way over the next couple of years," said Meyer.

Commissioners said they are ready to see the improvements and plan to attend Thursday's briefing.

For more on the project, contact Meyer at 472-5296, or go online to http://www.modot.mo.gov/southeast.