Counties Impacted
Sullivan
Completed

Current Proposed Timeline

Complete
Design and Public Input Phase
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Complete
Contractors Bid on Project

The project was let in October 2018 allowing contractors to submit competitive bids for both projects. The projects were let in combination, meaning the contractor submitted one bid for the total cost of both projects.

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Complete
Contract Awarded

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission reviewed the bids and awarded the bid to Widel, Inc. at their October 2018 meeting.

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Complete
Contracts Begin Work
The contractor is allowed per contract to begin work December 2018. The bridge is currently closed to all traffic as the contractor works to replace the bridge. Reopening of the bridge was planned for mid-March, but due to winter weather and freezing temperatures has been extended to early April.
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Complete
Completion Date

The contract completion date is currently set for August 1, 2019. The contractor may complete their work prior to that date, if conditions allow. The contractor hopes  to have work completed by early April.

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News

  • UPDATE: Sullivan County Newtown Branch Bridge Replacement

    02/28/2019

    MILAN, Mo. – Contractors from Widel, Inc., working with the Missouri Department of Transportation, closed the Route 139 Newtown Branch Bridge for a replacement project in January. Consistent winter precipitation and freezing temperatures have delayed...

  • Learn More About Upcoming Bridge Project

    07/27/2018

    NEWTOWN, Mo. – Plans are underway to replace the Newtown Branch Bridge on Route 139 in Sullivan County. The Missouri Department of Transportation would like to hear your comments and concerns about the planned project. An online informational meeting...

  • Route 139 to close Friday

    07/25/2018

    NEWTOWN, Mo – A Sullivan County bridge will close to complete required maintenance. The Route 139 bridge over Newtown Branch, built in 1933, carries almost 200 cars each day. Repairs such as these help MoDOT prolong the life of the many bridges that...

Old Bridge

Built in 1933 Structurally deficient Guardrail not up to standards 78' long 20' wide Carries 400 cars per day Striped as one-lane bridge

Proposed New Bridge

Up to current standards Upgraded guardrail 87' long Will be nearly 28-feet wide with 12-foot lanes Will be restored to two lanes

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: Why will the road be closed during construction? And for how long?

A: Closing the roadway to all traffic saves taxpayer money by allowing the contractor to work more safely and efficiently. This will result in a shorter overall construction period. The road could be closed up to four months by contract.

 

Q: What is the current planned detour?

A: At this time there is no plan to sign a detour around he closure. Traffic control and signing will be in place to alert motorists to seek an alternate route.

 

Q: Why not build a bypass?

A: Based on the cost/benefit ratio, building a bypass would not be a good use of taxpayer funds.

 

Q: Will you have to acquire any right of way?

A: No new right of way will be needed and existing utilities will not be affected by this project.

 

Q: Who can I contact if I have further questions?

A: Questions about the project may be directed to Project Manager Joyce Reynolds

 

Q: How can I stay updated on the projects progress?

A: Sign up for project-specific updates below:

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.