JEFFERSON CITY - Drivers around the state will start recognizing which bridges will be improved over the next five years since Missouri Department of Transportation workers erected "Safe & Sound" logo signs on more than 800 of the state's worst bridges.

In September the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission directed MoDOT to launch the "Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program" with at least 100 bridges under construction early in 2009. Contracts on six of those bridges - five in the St. Louis area and one near Kansas City - were awarded by the commission earlier this month, and bids on more than 40 more will be taken before the end of the year.

The signs that have been posted feature the Safe & Sound logo and indicate that they are in need of attention, and will either be repaired or replaced by Oct. 31, 2014.

MoDOT district offices have begun holding community briefings to prepare the public for what they can expect as work gets under way next year.

"When drivers see these signs, they should begin thinking about the probability that they will be closed during construction and plan accordingly," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. "Closing these bridges lets the contractor complete the work quickly and get the bridges back open faster. It also keeps our costs down."

For construction schedules, alternate routes, and up-to-the minute information on bridge construction, closures and progress, log on to www.modot.org.