Districts Impacted
Built in 1923 and rehabilitated in 1972, the Outer Road 44 bridge over Bear Creek in Laclede County, is in poor condition, showing signs it has reached the end of its useful life, and in need of replacement. The plans for the new bridge, which will be the same width as the existing structure at 26 feet, include raising the bridge 8 inches to provide additional room for water to flow and installing new guardrail.
Construction of a new bridge will require a full roadway closure. No detour will be signed, but signs located well ahead of the closure will alert motorists to use an alternate route.
PROJECT PROGRESS
The Missouri Department of Transportation is in the process of designing a new bridge. Preliminary plans for the new structure:
- 26 feet wide with two 11-foot lanes and two 2-foot shoulders – the same as the existing bridge.
- Raise the bridge 8 inches for new girders and to provide additional room for water to flow.
- New guardrail in line with current standards.
This project is not expected to require any new right of way acquisition.
The estimated total cost (engineering and construction) for this project is $1.6 million. This cost may change.
During the two-week comment period that ran Oct. 22 – Nov. 5, 2024, the community and interested parties had multiple avenues to learn about, ask questions, and submit input regarding the planned work and associated traffic impacts.
- Online. All meeting exhibits are available on this website and feedback may be submitted using the form below.
- By email – Send your comments to CDCR@modot.mo.gov with the subject line: OR 44 Bridge Replacement Over Bear Creek Project.
- By traditional mail – Comments may be mailed to Missouri Department of Transportation, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Please reference: OR 44 Bridge Replacement Over Bear Creek Project.
As part of their March 2025 meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $1,232,889.34 contract for this work to Don Schnieders Excavating Company, Inc.
Construction is expected to begin on May 22, 2025. The bridge will be fully closed for roughly 15 weeks and no detour will be signed. Signs located well ahead of the closure will alert the nearly 400 motorists who use the bridge on an average day to seek an alternate route.
At this time, the new bridge is expected to be complete by Dec. 1, 2025.
Public meeting materials
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is MoDOT replacing the bridge?
Built in 1923 and rehabilitated in 1972, the Outer Road 44 bridge over Bear Creek in Laclede County, is in poor condition, showing signs it has reached the end of its useful life, and in need of replacement.
What will the new bridge look like?
Preliminary plans for the new bridge:
- 26 feet wide with two 11-foot lanes and two 2-foot shoulders – the same as the existing bridge.
- Raise the bridge 8 inches for new girders and to provide additional room for water to flow.
- New guardrail in line with current standards.
How will this bridge work affect traffic?
The bridge will be fully closed for roughly 15 weeks and no detour will be signed. Signs located well ahead of the closure will alert the nearly 400 motorists who use the bridge on an average day to seek an alternate route.
How will the timing of the closures be decided?
MoDOT provides the contractor a date when they may begin work, and a date by which all work must be completed. Within that window, the contractor will be allowed up to 105 calendar days during which the roadway may be closed, or they may be subject to liquidated damages. At this time, the earliest date they could begin work would be in April 2025, with all work to be complete by Dec. 1, 2025 (subject to change).
What if I have further questions?
You may email cdcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference OR 44 Bridge Replacement Over Bear Creek Project on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
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South Outer Road 44 in Laclede County closing May 22 for bridge replacement project
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Following a weather delay, South Outer Road 44, near Exit 135, will close at Bear Creek on Thursday, May 22, for the bridge to be replaced. There will be no designated detour, but signs located well ahead of the closure will...
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Postponed: South Outer Road 44 in Laclede County to close for bridge deck replacement
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo – Due to the forecast of inclement weather, the planned closure of South Outer Road 44 near Exit 135 has been postponed. Because the work is weather dependent, the exact closure date is not yet known, but the earliest the bridge...