HANNIBAL - On Thursday afternoon, October 8, MoDOT and its contractor will open the Wyaconda River Bridge on Route E to traffic. The bridge closed for rehabilitation on July 27 and is the first bridge in Lewis County repaired under MoDOT's innovative Safe and Sound Bridge Program. The Safe and Sound Bridge program will repair or replace 802 bridges throughout the state, beginning in 2009. The bridge will be open to traffic by the end of the workday on Thursday.

The deck on the bridge has been replaced and guardrail has been installed where needed. Pace Construction Co., LLC of St. Louis, Mo., was the successful bidder on this project. MoDOT and its contractor wishes to thank area residents and motorists for their patience while the road was closed.

All roadwork is posted on the traveler information map a week in advance or on the day it begins. Those traveling and the commuting public are encouraged to check the online map at www.modot.org daily for new work zones. Drivers are also invited to rate MoDOT work zones online at modot.org. MoDOT also offers e-update messages sent directly to your email when roadwork is scheduled. Sign up online or call MoDOT's customer service center at 1-888-275-6636.