JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Missouri Route 163 Bonne Femme Creek Bridge, located just west of U.S. Route 63, built in 1958, was in poor condition and had weight and speed restrictions for vehicles using the bridge. Contractors from Widel Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, closed Route 163 at the Bonne Femme Creek Bridge, on Monday, April 10, and removed the aging structure. The next day, excavations for the foundation of the new bridge revealed an underground void that was later determined to be associated with the Devil’s Ice Box cave system.
Work was halted as MoDOT staff worked with partner agencies and organizations to investigate, gather information, and analyze data to determine how to proceed with the successful replacement of the Bonne Femme Creek Bridge while minimizing environmental impacts to the cave system.
After design modifications, MoDOT notified the contractor they could resume work today, Monday, June 12. Information about an expected completion date for the bridge replacement will be released as it becomes available.
Traffic continues to be directed around the closure on a signed detour over Route 163 (Providence Road), Route AC (Grindstone Parkway) and U.S. Route 63.
For more information, please visit the project’s webpage at www.modot.org/boone-county-route-163-bonne-femme-creek-bridge-replacement. While there, sign up for project-specific updates.
All work is weather-permitting, and schedules are subject to change.
MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones.
For more information about MoDOT projects, traffic updates, or other transportation-related matters, please visit our Traveler Information Map at http://traveler.modot.org/ or call our 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636). While at modot.org, sign up for work zone updates sent directly to your inbox. Information is also available 24/7 by connecting with us on social media:
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Take the Challenge! Buckle Up/Phone Down
###