FAIRFAX, Mo. – The wait is finally over for the approximately 300 motorists whose daily trips west of Fairfax have involved a detour since April 2019. Last night at approximately 7 p.m. contractors from Phillips Hardy, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, reopened Route J over the Tarkio River after a bridge replacement project. The bridge was originally scheduled to reopen at the end of August, but the contractor had to cease operations at the bridge for about one month in the middle of construction due to flooding.
There is still some work to be done to complete the project which will be done over the next week under a single-lane closure. Motorists will be directed across the bridge with the aid of flaggers.
MoDOT asks that all drivers use extreme caution in this an all other work zones they encounter. Often crews are working only inches from the traveling public and one moment of distraction can turn tragic. Always Buckle Up Phone Down. Every trip. Every time.
For more information about this and other MoDOT projects, call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636) or visit modot.org/northwest and view the online Traveler Information Map. In addition, MoDOT provides updated information on Twitter @MoDOTNorthwest and Facebook at www.facebook.com/MoDOTNWDistrict.
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