JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri Department of Transportation Director Pete Rahn today thanked Gov. Blunt for including MoDOT's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement program in the upcoming special legislative session.

"I thank Gov. Blunt for his leadership on this issue," Rahn said. "Bridge improvements are clearly a critical need for Missouri, so we're eager to get started on this ambitious program as soon as possible."

The Safe & Sound program will repair or replace 800 of the state's most worn-out bridges by 2012. In addition to bringing all those bridges up to good condition, the contract will require them to be maintained in good condition for at least an additional 25 years. If the needed legislative change is approved, MoDOT anticipates work will begin in the spring.

Click here for more details on the Safe & Sound Program.