Missouri’s Focus on Bridges program prioritizes 45 bridges for repair/replacement

Updated Sep 30, 2019

Bridge Construction Ahead 2Forty-five bridges in Missouri were prioritized for repair or replacement through Gov. Mike Parson’s new Focus on Bridges program that was instituted in May , KQ2.com reports.

Three of those bridges in northwest Missouri have already received contracts, while the remaining bridges will be under contract by the end of the year and completed in 2020.

The three bridges that have already been awarded contracts are:

  • I-29 bridge over Kimsey Creek and Route E near Mound City;
  • MO 190 bridge over the Thompson River near Chillicothe; and
  • U.S. Route 65 bridge over the Grand River near Chillicothe.

“We’ve made great progress toward improving Missouri’s bridge infrastructure in recent months, and this set of contracts is another major step in the right direction,” Parson said in a statement, according to the news agency. “With one of the nation’s largest but lowest-funded highway systems, Missouri’s road and bridge needs must be addressed to ensure we have the framework for future access and expansion. Our bridge program is critical to meeting those needs, and we’re excited to see it move forward with these first 14 bridges.”

“We’ve had some great transportation news in the state of Missouri the last several months,” Missouri Department of Transportation Director Patrick McKenna said in a statement, according to the news agency. “This is just one example of what can happen when a Governor takes such a strong leadership role in the transportation investment arena and is joined by bipartisan support in the General Assembly.”