Districts Impacted
Project Summary
The Missouri Route 5 bridge over Bear Creek in Howard County, in Glasgow, is in need of replacement. During its life, the bridge’s rails were upgraded and driving surface improvements were made, but no major structural work has been completed. The structure was built in 1930 and both the deck and superstructure are in poor condition. Plans for the new bridge include improvements that will enhance safety, drivability, and traffic flow.
Project Progress
The Missouri Department of Transportation designed functionality and safety improvements, including a wider bridge, pedestrian upgrades and updated bridge rails.
The estimated cost for these improvements, including construction and engineering, is $3.9 million. This cost may change.
Comment period: Jan. 30-Feb. 13, 2024
Public Meeting
A public open house will be held Jan. 30, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the American Legion at 705 Washington St. in Glasgow. There will be no formal presentation, so attendees may come and go anytime during the open house. Exhibits will outline the work being planned and the timing of construction.
The public is invited to provide comments and ask questions of the project team in person at the meeting, online or by mail by Feb 13. Mailed comments should be postmarked on or before Feb 14 and addressed to:
Howard County Missouri Route 5 Bear Creek Bridge Project
1511 Missouri Boulevard
Jefferson City, MO 65102
Meeting Exhibits
At the link below, find all available exhibits regarding the new bridge. Comments are accepted Jan. 30-Feb 13.
As a result of feedback from the Jan. 30, 2024, public meeting and subsequent open comment period, the proposed design for the Route 5 bridge has been modified to include a barrier between the pedestrian walkway and the driving lane. View the new design below in "Updated Bridge Design."
The project was part of MoDOT's September 2024 letting when contractors submitted competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract to E & C Bridge, LLC as part of their October 2024 meeting.
The roadway is expected to remain open during construction, though some single-lane closures with an 11-foot width restriction will be necessary.
Off-road work began in mid-March and the first stage of construction on the new bridge is expected to begin April 14, 2025. During Stage 1, the contractor will be working off the roadway while building one half of the new bridge. During the second stage, the contractor will close one lane of the road, with an 11-foot width restriction, building the second half of the bridge in essentially the same location as the current one and slightly realigning the road. Finally, the contractor will tie in the roadway to the new bridge and demolish the old bridge. Here is the tentative schedule including lane and entrance closures:
- Stage 1A – April 14
- Stage 1B – June 4
- Traffic shifted to one lane using existing NB lane, lane width restriction.
- Orchard Dr. & Park Entrance closed.
- Stage 2 – June 9
- Traffic remains shifted to one lane using existing NB lane, lane width restriction.
- Orchard Dr. & Park Entrance remains closed. Locust St. closed.
- Stage 3 – June 12
- Traffic shifted to one lane on new bridge using new SB lane.
- Orchard Dr., Park Entrance & Locust St. remains closed.
After construction begins, the contractor will have 160 calendar days to complete the project, which is expected to be complete in September.
Project News and Updates
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Missouri Route 5 Bridge replacement over Bear Creek starting soon
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – A project has been awarded and will be starting soon to replace the Missouri Route 5 bridge over Bear Creek in Glasgow. The project will replace the aging bridge to improve safety for all roadway users and increase accessibility...
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Howard County Route 5 Bridge over Bear Creek revised design
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – The Missouri Department of Transportation announces changes to the proposed design to replace the Missouri Route 5 bridge over Bear Creek, near Glasgow.
Based on feedback received at a Jan. 30 public meeting and two-week open...
Project Materials
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is MoDOT replacing the Bridge?
The existing Route 5 bridge over Bear Creek was built in 1930, is currently narrower than the existing road, and the deck and barriers are showing signs it is nearing the end of its life cycle. The new structure will be up to current standards and improve the drivability and safety for motorists.
How will the construction affect traffic?
The contractor will stage lane closures on the bridge so one lane of traffic is maintained through the completion of the project.
What if I have further questions?
Questions about the project may be directed to CDCR@modot.mo.gov or by phone at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference the Howard County Route 5 Bear Creek Bridge project.
How can I stay updated on the projects progress?
Use the form above to sign up for project-specific updates. As the project moves into the construction phase and a schedule is known, updates will be provided on MoDOT's Central District on social media.