Shelby County Route M To Close for Bridge Replacement

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Weather permitting, a project to replace the Black Creek Bridge located on Shelby County Route M, just east of Leonard, will begin on January 17, and the road will close. This is the fourth bridge to be replaced under the Fixing Access to Rural Missouri (FARM) Bridge Program. “We currently have bridges under construction in Linn, Macon and Lewis counties as part of the FARM Bridge Program”, stated Missouri Department of Transportation Project Director Jeff Gander.

The bridge, built in 1932, carries approximately 268 vehicles per day and is scheduled to close Monday, Jan. 17, 2022 with an estimated completion of early June. During the closure, motorists will need to use alternate routes.

A total of 31 weight-restricted, poor condition bridges in northern Missouri are to be replaced under the federally-funded Fixing Access to Rural Missouri (FARM) Bridge Program by October 2023. The full list of bridges to be replaced can be found on the FARM Bridge web page.

Lehman-Wilson was awarded the design-build contract by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at its meeting in May 2021 to replace the bridges. All bridges in the program are expected to be closed during construction.

The project will replace deficient bridges on low-volume routes that are:

Weight-restricted

In poor condition

On timber pile

One-lane but carry two-way traffic

Design-build is a project delivery method in which one contracting team is selected to design and build the highway improvement under one contract. MoDOT provides the project goals, budget and schedule and the contractor team completes the work. This technique has been known to significantly save time and provide cost savings.

“We understand road closures can be challenging, yet it’s the best use of our tax dollars, increases safety for all workers, and accelerates construction”, Gander added. “Signs will be placed several days before the closure, and we encourage residents in these areas to sign up to receive our email and text alerts.”

Information and updates will be sent to local media, and MoDOT’s online traveler map also shows locations of work zones and road closures.

While at modot.org, sign up online for work zone updates. Information is also available 24/7 at 888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or via social media.