DISTRICT 8, SPRINGFIELD - The public is invited to talk to Missouri Department of Transportation representives about future plans to rehabiltate two Stockton Lake bridges in Polk County, one on Route 123, the other on Route 215, at a meeting on Thursday, July 15.
The open-house style meeting will be held between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Aldrich United Methodist Church located south of Aldrich at the junction of Polk County 538th Road and Route 123.
MoDOT engineers will offer two options for replacing the bridge decks on Route 123 over the Little Sac River arm of Stockton Lake and on Route 215 over Turkey Creek.
Option One would require the bridges to be completely closed for up to four months to remove the decks, build new decks, construct bridge walls and make minor repairs to the structure under the bridge. The bridges would not be closed at the same time, making it easier for area residents and tourists to get around the projects. Under Option One, the total construction time would be shortened. Option one is less expensive, saving an estimated $160,000 to $235,000 on the bridges.
Option Two would close one lane on the bridges, requiring one-lane traffic around the clock. The decks would be replaced one-half at a time. Construction is estimated to take up to six months to complete on each bridge. It would be necessary to completely close the bridges, one at a time, for up to three weeks to pour concrete for the second half of each bridge deck. Option Two is more costly. It's estimated this option will increase the price by $160,000 to $235,000.
Currently, there is no money available for the two projects. Until funding is available, construction cannot begin.
MoDOT will take comments from the public on the proposals through July 26.
