Boone County News Release


Press Archives Press Room

For Immediate Release

Media Contact:
Boone County Commission Administrative Coordinator
Phone: (573) 886-4312


New Bridge Improves Safety, Cuts County's Maintenance Costs

June 9, 2009

Construction has started on McBaine Bridge Replacement

Construction began Monday on the McBaine Bridge at Burr Oak Road over Perche Creek. Boone County Public Works awarded the construction contract to Phillips Grading of Boonville, Mo.

Public Works says the bridge will be completed in 150 working days and is tentatively scheduled to open January 10, 2010. The new bridge will be designed for 45 mph but the signage might remain at the current running speed of 35 mph due to sharp turns on Burr Oak Road. The piers on the existing bridge that stand in the middle of the creek will be eliminated to reduce the quantity of brush that accumulates under the bridge. The brush is difficult and costly to remove and causes downstream erosion.

"The new bridge will not have sharp curves which will make it safer for the public to enter and exit the structure," says Public Works Interim Director Derin Campbell. "It will also reduce maintenance costs because there will be significantly less brush stuck in the piers that we have to remove."

The existing bridge will remain open during construction and Public Works ensures residents that the construction process will not cause any major inconveniences. Construction Inspector Darin Sapp held a public meeting Monday morning at Lucy's in McBaine to address citizen's questions about the project.

The project costs $1.2 million. A federal earmark provided $750,000 to fund the construction and the remaining cost will be paid by the county.



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