Districts Impacted
Missouri Route 19 bridge rehabilitation over Frene Creek in Gasconade County
The Missouri Route 19 bridge over Frene Creek in Gasconade County was built in 1930 with narrow lanes and is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Replacing the bridge deck and girders – the superstructure – will allow for a wider, smoother, safer traveling surface for motorists and pedestrians.
PROJECT PROGRESS
The Missouri Department of Transportation and its contractors designed functionality and safety improvements, including a wider bridge deck and improved pedestrian access.
The estimated cost for these improvements is $1.2 million. This cost may change.
Informational Meeting
An informational open house was held 4:30 – 6 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Hermann City Hall, 1902 Jefferson Street. Members from the project team were on hand to answer questions and exhibits will outline the work being planned and the project detour to be used during construction.
Exhibits
Unable to attend the meeting in person? At the link below, you will find the same exhibits regarding the new bridge as were presented at the public meeting.
The project was part of MoDOT's October 2023 letting when contractors submitted competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the $1,259,505.35 contract to Don Schnieders Excavating Company, Inc at their November meeting.
The bridge was closed for construction June 3 through Aug. 23. A signed detour direct ed motorists to use Route 100 and Route Z.
Meeting Materials
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is MoDOT rehabilitating the bridge?
The 92-year-old structure was built with narrow driving lanes and the pedestrian facilities are in very poor condition. To update the bridge to modern standards and improve the traveling surface, the deck and girders – the superstructure – will be replaced. The pedestrian facilities will also be upgraded during the project to meet ADA requirements.
What other options were considered?
The design team considered building a new single-span bridge and reconfiguring the existing bridge deck. However, from a cost-benefit analysis neither option were on par with replacing the superstructure.
While replacing the bridge would have the highest life expectancy, it also had the highest cost and largest impacts to the environment, utilities, and surrounding area. Reconfiguring the existing deck came in at a similar price point as replacing the superstructure but with a lower life expectancy.
Is MoDOT raising the bridge to address flooding?
The bridge is being raised 4 inches with the new girders. While this new design will address some minor flooding, it does not address 50-year flood events or 100-year flood events. To address those would have required significant profile changes, resulting in significant right-of-way changes with major impacts to surrounding properties and businesses.
How will the new bridge construction affect traffic?
The contractor will close the bridge to all traffic through the completion of the project, which they have 75 calendars days to accomplish. A signed detour will be posted. The road will be open in May and October.
Will there be any aesthetic details?
Yes. MoDOT worked with the city of Hermann to ensure the new bridge matches other aesthetic details around town, including the concrete wall between vehicles and pedestrians and the outside fence rail. The bridge details will look similar to decorative features on the bridge on Route 100.
Whom can I contact with further questions?
You may email cdcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference Gasconade County Missouri Route 19 Frene Creek Bridge on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
New rehabilitated bridge on Route 19 over Frene Creek just before reopening to traffic on Aug. 23, 2024.
Girders being installed on Missouri Route 19 bridge over Frene Creek in Hermann.
Girders being installed on Missouri Route 19 bridge over Frene Creek in Hermann.
Original condition of the bridge before the start of rehabilitation work.
Original condition of the bridge before the start of rehabilitation work.
Original condition of the bridge before the start of rehabilitation work.