COMPLETE
The Mozingo Creek and Long Branch bridge replacement projects are part of Governor Parson's Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Proposed Project Timeline
MoDOT employees and consultants are working together to design a project which will replace both the Mozingo Creek and Long Branch bridges on Nodaway County U.S. Route 136, just east of Maryville.
After reevaluation, changes have been made to the design plans and right of way acquisition needs of both the Mozingo Creek and Long Branch bridges.
MoDOT hosted three opportunities to receive community feedback regarding the bridge replacement projects from Monday, Feb. 22, through Friday, March 5.
A second opportunity for public input is scheduled to take place in Sunday, July 18 through Saturday, July 24 . The community is invited to participate through the following opportunities:
- View the information on this webpage and utilize the form at the bottom of the page to submit your comments and/or sign up for project-specific updates.
- Three call-in sessions will be held with the project manager. Community members can call 816-387-2483 during the below times to have an individual conversation with the project manager. If the line is busy, please leave a message or call back later.
- Tuesday, July 20 – 11 a.m. to noon
- Tuesday, July 20 – 4 to 5:30 p.m.
- Thursday, July 22 – 4 to 6 p.m.
- Mail your comments to:
U.S. Route 136 Bridge Replacement Project
Missouri Department of Transportation
3602 North Belt Highway
St. Joseph, MO 64506
All comments must be postmarked by Saturday, July 24.
The projects were part of the November 2021 letting when contractors were able to submit competitive bids for the projects.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission reviewed all bids and award a $3,003,171.55 contract to Phillips Hardy, Inc. at their December 2021 meeting.
Mozingo Creek bridge COMPLETE. The contractor closed the Mozingo Creek Bridge on Monday, March 14 and reopened it to all traffic on April 30, 2022.
The replacement of the Long Branch Bridge began May 2, 2022, under a single-lane closure with temporary traffic signals guiding drivers through the work zone. On May 11, the bridge closed to all traffic due structural concerns. Crews were carefully monitoring the existing bridge during the staged (single-lane closed) construction, and noted stress fractures in the existing bridge girders, which prompted the immediate closure of the bridge.
The same detour route utilized during the construction of the Mozingo Creek Bridge is being used for the duration of the Long Branch Bridge replacement project. Motorists will be directed along a signed detour on Routes F, N, M and J.
The Long Branch Bridge is now COMPLETE and open to traffic.
Mozingo Creek Bridge is complete and reopened to all traffic April 30, 2022.
Long Branch Bridge is complete and the roadway reopened to all traffic on Aug. 16, 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why is MoDOT closing the road during construction?
A: MoDOT strives to be a good steward of taxpayer money and by closing the Mozingo Creek Bridge, the contractor will be able to work more efficiently within a shorter construction period, saving taxpayer dollars and reducing the time period construction will affect motorists.
The Long Branch Bridge was to remain open during construction, however structural concerns were noted early in the bridge's replacement and the roadway had to be closed on May 11.
Q: Since Long Branch Bridge is closed, can it be constructed in the same timeframe as Mozingo?
A. Due to the difference in the structure of the bridges, Long Branch Bridge will take longer. The bridge over Long Branch has twice as many supporting structures as the Mozingo Creek Bridge. Now that it is closed, there may be some timesaving measures the contractor can take to get the bridge reopened earlier, but it will not cut the construction time in half. Construction of a typical small bridge, under a full closure, averages approximately 90 to 100 days. MoDOT engineers and inspectors are working with the contractor towards meeting that goal, however time has already been lost trying to construct it in two stages. The planned project completion is still expected for August 2022.
Q: Why don't motorists see crews working on the bridge every day during construction?
A. In addition to inclement weather, there are certain times during construction when crews may not be on site or may not be visible to motorists. Portions of the bridge may need to cure for several hours or days to build strength before workers can proceed with the next step in construction, or crews may be working under the bridge, out of sight to drivers.
Q. What are the next steps in construction?
A. 6/3/2022 update: The contractor began driving bridge pile, concrete posts driven into the ground to support the new Long Branch Bridge on May 31. They will begin work on the substructure next.
Q: What is the detour during the bridge closure?
A: The detour for the Mozingo Creek Bridge will direct motorists along Routes F, N, M and J during the closure.
Because the Long Branch Bridge had to be closed, drivers will also utilize that signed detour for the duration of the replacement project.
Q: Will MoDOT have to purchase any right of way?
A: Right of way acquisition has already occurred for this project.
Q: Who can I contact if I have further questions?
A: Questions may be left by calling 888 ASK MODOT (888-275-6636) and asking to speak to Rick Orr, project manager for this project.
Q: How can I stay updated on the project's progress?
A: Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
Project News and Information
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Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Long Branch Bridge Now Closed
St. Joseph, Mo. – Due to structural concerns, the Long Branch Bridge east of Maryville on U.S. Route 136 is now closed. Contractors from Phillips Hardy, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, closed the bridge to all traffic...
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Mozingo Creek Bridge now open
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – A project to replace the Mozingo Creek Bridge is now complete. Crews from Phillips Hardy, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, were able to reopen U.S. Route 136 at the Mozingo Creek Bridge today, Saturday...
Long Branch Bridge Construction Progress Photos
Mozingo Creek Construction Progress Photos
What is the purpose of this project?
Last rehabilitated in 1940, The Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Mozingo Creek and Long Branch bridges are currently listed in poor condition. The project will replace the bridges, bringing both the bridge structure and surrounding guardrail up to current standards.
This project is part of Gov. Mike Parsons $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state.
Mozingo Creek Bridge Pictures
Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Mozingo Creek Bridge Column
Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Mozingo Creek Bridge Deck Profile
Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Mozingo Creek Bridge Deck Surface
Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Mozingo Creek Bridge Deck Overhang
Long Branch Bridge Pictures
Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Long Branch Bridge Deck Overhang
Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Long Branch Bridge Deck
Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Long Branch Bridge Profile
Nodaway County U.S. Route 136 Long Branch Bridge Rail
For more information about this or other MoDOT projects, please contact our 24-hour Customer Service line at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or sign up for alerts straight to your inbox at email/text updates.