Counties Impacted
Putnam
Route Impacted
Y
Completed

Project Summary

COMPLETE

The bridge deck of the North Blackbird Creek Bridge on Putnam County Route Y, northeast of Unionville, needs replacement. Its condition has deteriorated and upon the most recent inspection, the deck was rated as a 3 and structurally deficient. When any portion of the bridge has its lowest rating less than or equal to 4, the entire bridge is classified as Poor. (The superstructure received a rating of 7 and the substructure received a rating of 6 - both in the Good range.) The Missouri Department of Transportation has contracted with Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. to replace the bridge deck and bring the bridge and its components up to current standards

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Design Phase

The Missouri Department of Transportation designed a new deck for the bridge on Putnam County Route Y over North Blackbird Creek.

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Project Bidding and Award

During its Nov. 5, 2020 meeting, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission reviewed all bids submitted for this project and awarded the $760,718.70 project to replace this bridge deck (and a bridge deck on Mercer County Route BB) to Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.

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Contractor May Begin Work

The earliest date on which the contractor could begin work (the Notice to Proceed) was Dec. 7, 2020.

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Construction Phase

The contractor has notified the Missouri Department of Transportation that they will close Putnam County Route Y at the North Blackbird Creek Bridge on the morning of Monday, March 15, 2021. They reopened the bridge to all traffic May 12, 2021.

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Project Completion

By contract, the contractor must have all work complete on or before Dec. 1, 2021, without incurring possible liquidated damages.

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Putnam County Route Y North Blackbird Creek Bridge Deck

Existing Bridge Deck

Built in 1955, the North Blackbird Creek Bridge deck is structurally deficient and is currently load-posted for vehicles 17 tons and heavier.

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Putnam County Route Y North Blackbird Creek Bridge Deck Plans

Plans for the New Bridge Deck

The project will bring the bridge deck, rails and other features up to current standards. The width of the bridge will not change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will MoDOT close the road during construction?

Yes. Route Y will close to all traffic on Monday, March 15, 2021.

What is the planned detour?

During the closure, motorists will be directed over a signed detour on U.S. Route 136 and Route 129.

Why not build a bypass?

Based on the cost/benefit ratio, building a bypass would not be a prudent use of taxpayer funds. A bypass also could have negative impacts and disruption to private property.

Will MoDOT need to acquire any right of way?

No, MoDOT did not need to acquire any permanent right of way for this project.

How long will construction take?

The contractor plans to reopen the bridge to all traffic on or before May 10, 2021.

Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Questions about the project may left by calling 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

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Project News

  • Putnam County Route Y Blackbird Creek Bridge now open

    05/12/2021

    St. Joseph, Mo. – The bridge on Putnam County Route Y over Blackbird Creek, northeast of Unionville, is now open to all traffic. Contractors from Emery Sapp & Sons Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, reopened the bridge to...

  • Putnam County bridge deck replacement project to begin soon

    03/03/2021

    St. Joseph, Mo. – The North Blackbird Creek Bridge on Putnam County Route Y will close soon for a bridge deck replacement project. The Missouri Department of Transportation contracted with Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc. to replace the bridge’s deck. This...

For more information about this or other MoDOT projects, please contact our 24-hour Customer Service line at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636) or sign up for alerts straight to your inbox at email/text updates.