Franklin County –MoDOT will close Route H over Bourbeuse River on Monday, September 16.
MoDOT delayed construction for a week after MoDOT biologist observed a small number of bats roosting under the bridge. MoDOT worked with bat experts from the Missouri Department of Conservation and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to identify the species. Although the bats were identified as endangered, construction can begin under an existing agreement between the US fish and Wildlife Service and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The bats are expected to fly away from the bridge once construction begins.
Crews will be placing a new bridge deck, barriers, and pavement in the area. The route is expected to reopen by late December. Franklin County has reopened Shawnee Ford Road and it is accessible for drivers to use as an alternate route. Drivers can also use Route 50, Route CC, and Route AC as detour routes.
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