Willow Springs, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has announced construction has been completed on the bridge over the Big River on Route U, Washington County. The bridge was temporarily closed to complete construction of a new bridge deck. Construction on the structure began May 26 and was completed on July 24.

The Big River Bridge is one of the 802 bridges to be rehabilitated under the Safe & Sound program. The deck of the bridge was determined to be in poor condition and had been patched several times. The replacement deck will provide a smoother surface and improve the longevity of the structure. 

According to MoDOT South Central District Safe & Sound Coordinator, Ed Hess, the Safe & Sound team is sensitive to the impact closures have on the traveling public. "We initially contact stakeholders, and have set up a website for information and updates on all Safe & Sound projects, including Route U."

Safe & Sound signage has been added to the bridges scheduled to be rehabilitated under the Safe & Sound program within the next five years. To access the web site, visit www.modot.org/southcentral and then click on the Safe & Sound icon. For additional information regarding this or other transportation-related topics, call the MoDOT Customer Service Center, toll-free, at 1-888-ASK MoDOT (275-6636). Customers also may email the center at d9csc@modot.mo.gov.

###