Ralls County Route A set to open at Salt River as Route H closes for bridge rehabilitation project

HANNIBAL – Weather permitting, Ralls County Route A at Salt River, 1.9 miles west of Route H near Center, is scheduled to open late Friday, July 25, as the final phase of work is being completed. The bridge, built in 1976, has been closed since May 4 for the rehabilitation project.

On the heels of this opening, on July 27, contractor crews have scheduled to close the bridge on Ralls County Route H, over the Salt River, located one mile north of Route A near Center, to begin work a rehabilitation project. “This improvement project will also include strengthening girders to eliminate the current load posting as currently eleven percent of the average daily traffic is comprised of semi-trucks,” stated Missouri Department of Transportation Area Engineer, Brian Untiedt. Signs will be in place to alert motorists of the closure. This bridge, built in 1964, is included in Gov. Mike Parson’s $351 million Focus on Bridges program, which will repair or replace 250 bridges across the state. The contractor will have 120 days to complete the project.

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded the contract earlier this year to Bleigh Construction Company in the amount of $3,339,980 to complete improvements on two bridges in Ralls County, located on Route A and Route H, which included a new deck and guardrail on each. “While the underside of these bridges were in good condition, the decks were in need of replacement,” explained Untiedt.

All work and schedules are weather dependent. During this closure, motorists must use alternate routes. Work zones are active throughout the state. As you approach a work zone, please don’t drive distracted. Always buckle up and put your phone down. All work zones are online at www.modot.org, and you can receive the latest news about road work in your area by signing up for e-updates.