Districts Impacted
Project Summary
The Crawford County Route N bridge over Meramec River, southeast of Bourbon, is slated for deck replacement in 2027. Built in 1972, the supporting structures are in good condition, but the deck is in need of replacement. The new bridge deck will be 22-feet-wide, the same width as the existing structure.
Construction of a new bridge deck will require a full roadway closure. A signed detour will direct motorists to use Route J, Route C, Interstate 44, and Missouri Route 185.
Public Meeting
An in-person public meeting will be held on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Bourbon Area Community Center from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Members of the project team will be on hand to provide information and answer questions from the community. There will be no formal presentation, so members of the public can come and go as they please during the advertised hours. By participating and commenting, the public can help MoDOT determine what best serves the needs of the roughly 1,100 motorists who use the bridge on an average day while being responsible stewards of available funding.
Meeting Materials
Current Bridge Conditions
Deck view of bridge over Meramec River (2025).
Side view of bridge over Meramec River (2025).
Bridge Location
Project Progress
The Missouri Department of Transportation is in the process of designing a new bridge deck on Crawford County Route N over Meramec River. The new bridge deck will be 22-feet-wide, the same width as the existing structure. The project also includes new guardrail, approach pavement, pavement marking, and barriers.
This project is expected to require some new right-of-way acquisition.
The estimated total cost (right-of-way acquisition, engineering, and construction) for this project is $1.4 million. This cost may change.
During the three-week comment period running April 2 – April 23, 2026, the community and interested parties will have multiple avenues to learn about, ask questions, and submit input regarding the planned work and associated traffic impacts.
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In-person - An open-house-style public meeting will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Bourbon Area Community Center, located at 575 Elm Street in Bourbon. The project team will be on hand to answer questions, provide information, and receive input about the project. There will be no formal presentation, so attendees may come and go as they please at any time during the advertised hours.
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Online - All meeting exhibits are available on this website, and feedback may be submitted using the form below by April 23, 2026.
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By email – Send comments to CDCR@modot.mo.gov by April 23, 2026, with the subject line: Route N Bridge Deck Replacement over Meramec River in Crawford County.
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By traditional mail – Comments may be mailed to Missouri Department of Transportation, 1511 Missouri Boulevard, Jefferson City, MO 65109, postmarked by April 23, 2026. Please reference: Route N Bridge Deck Replacement over Meramec River in Crawford County.
The project is currently scheduled to be part of MoDOT's December 2026 letting, when contractors may submit competitive bids. The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission may award the contract as part of their January 2027 meeting and, if the contract is awarded, a notice to proceed date will also be given. That is the earliest date the contractor may begin work.
Construction is expected to take place in 2027. The roadway is expected to be closed for three months, subject to change.
Construction of the new bridge deck will require a full roadway closure. A signed detour will direct motorists to use Route J, Route C, Interstate 44, and Missouri Route 185.
At this time, the new bridge deck is expected to be completed and open to traffic by Dec. 1, 2027.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why is MoDOT replacing the bridge deck?
Built in 1972, the supporting structures are in good condition, but the deck is in need of replacement.
How will this bridge deck work affect traffic?
Replacing the bridge deck will require a full roadway closure. A signed detour will direct motorists to use Route J, Route C, Interstate 44, and Missouri Route 185.
Why not build a bypass?
MoDOT strives to be good stewards of the taxpayer funds entrusted to us. Due to the cost, right of way acquisition and time required, building a bypass would not be a prudent use of these funds.
What is the expected completion date for this project?
At this time, the new bridge deck is expected to be completed and open to traffic by Dec. 1, 2027.
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 Route N Bridge Deck Replacement over Meramec River in Crawford County on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
Project News
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Public input sought on Crawford County bridge project
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Transportation is seeking community input on a project which will replace the Crawford County Route N over Meramec River bridge deck, southeast of Bourbon. Built in 1972, the supporting structures are...
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I-44 westbound off-ramp at Exit 172 to close at noon today
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – A towing company plans to begin the removal of a vehicle, its contents, and debris following a recent crash on Interstate 44 near Exit 172. The removal will take place over several days and is scheduled to begin at noon today...
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Bridge work starts this week on Kingshighway in Rolla
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Contractors have resumed rehabilitation work on several bridges over Interstate 44 in Phelps County with one complete, one underway and work beginning on the third this week.
As early as today, Monday, March 23, work to...