Redesign leaves roadway open during bridge replacement project…

Dent County Route 19 Standing Rock Creek Bridge

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo - The Missouri Department of Transportation sought the public's input in late 2023 about a planned bridge replacement project on Missouri Route 19 in Dent County. The proposed design and construction planned included a 45-day closure Route 19 while a new bridge was constructed. Interested parties were able to submit input and ask questions at a public meeting, by mail, and via a website dedicated to the project.

After hearing from stakeholders, the MoDOT team sat down and redesigned the project in a way that not only leaves Route 19 open through construction, but also corrects a roadway curve, with very little change in the project's overall cost.

"We ask for public input early in the design process for just this reason," said Transportation Project Manager James Beattie. "This route is vital to schools, residents, and businesses - including seasonal businesses - in the region. Their input helped us move forward with a design that will help keep traffic moving during construction and will result in a structure that will serve the region for many years."

Redesigning the project required additional right of way, which pushed the project back in MoDOT's letting schedule (when contractors bid on projects) from January to May 2024. Bids received in May will be reviewed by the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, who may award the contract at their June 2024 meeting. If awarded at that time, the contractor will be given a date on or after which they may begin construction, but the exact schedule of work is not yet known.

Details about the new phased construction plan, expected duration of each phase, and overall project timeline may be found on the project's updated webpage at https://www.modot.org/missouri-route-19-bridge-replacement-over-standing-rock-creek-dent-county.

MoDOT asks all motorists to work with us by buckling up, putting your phone down, obeying all traffic signs, and slowing down and moving over in work zones. Motorists are advised to use extra caution through work zones, obey all traffic signs, and avoid any distractions.

For traffic updates or other transportation-related matters, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or visit our Traveler Information Map. Information is also available 24/7 via social media. Follow the MoDOT Central Missouri District on social media:

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