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Bridge to Rocheport reopens

Justin Addison, Editor/Publisher
Posted 5/20/23

The Highway 240 spur leading from Highway 40 in southeast Howard County into the town of Rocheport re-opened last Monday. The road was closed in January so that the 60-year-old bridge over Moniteau …

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Bridge to Rocheport reopens

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The Highway 240 spur leading from Highway 40 in southeast Howard County into the town of Rocheport re-opened last Monday. The road was closed in January so that the 60-year-old bridge over Moniteau Creek could be replaced. 

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) said the bridge had reached a point where replacement was necessary. 

On March 1, 2022, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract for the project to E and C Bridge, which submitted the low bid of $3,158,997. Crews were able to reopen the bridge to all traffic on May 10, 2023, ahead of schedule.

The replacement is one of three major MoDOT bridge projects in southern Howard County. The department recently replaced and widened the curved, 80-year-old Route 40 Bridge over Salt Creek and the Katy Trail. The project was completed in March after about nine months.

MoDOT then began immediately replacing the deck of the U.S. Route 40 bridge over Bonne Femme Creek, located a few miles west of the new bridge over Salt Creek. The existing 73-year-old bridge carries approximately 2,100 vehicles per day. MoDOT said the repairs are necessary to improve the condition of the bridge and extend the life of the structure by 30 years. It is expected to be complete later this summer.

The total cost for both U.S. Route 40 bridges totals $6,952,040.

In addition to the three planned repairs, the bridge over Salt Creek on MO 240, about four miles south of Fayette near what is locally referred to as the “Lucky Barn,” underwent emergency repairs late October after inspectors noticed structural deterioration on the 90-year-old bridge. Crews re-opened the bridge on November 14 to the delight of the more than 2,000 daily commuters who cross the bridge. 

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