SIKESTON - On Wednesday, Aug. 20, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) closed the MO 53 bridge in Campbell, Mo. as a safety measure for travelers. Following a routine bridge inspection, it was found that the nearly 80-year-old structure had shifted since the last inspection in 2012. Since that time, additional inspections resulted in the Department's decision to keep the structure closed until the bridge can be replaced.
"MoDOT conducts bridge inspections every two years," said David Wyman, MoDOT Area Engineer.
"When our inspection crew compared the 2014 inspection with that of two years ago, they found a crack in one of the bridge columns."Wyman explained that the Department had been looking at possible solutions that could keep the structure, which carries more than 5,100 vehicles per day, open to traffic. Following the final bridge inspection with Dennis Heckman, MoDOT State Bridge Engineer, the Department determined that closing the bridge until it can be replaced is the only responsible alternative for the traveling public.
"Safety is our highest priority at MoDOT, and closure of this structure ensures that travelers are not at risk," explains Mark Shelton, District Engineer. "The stark reality is that this is not the only bridge in poor shape in our region or the state. Bridges get older every day, and in this instance we must look at how we can reprioritize projects to include replacement of this structure.
"Shelton went on to explain that replacing the bridge could take up to a year to complete. MO 53 will remain closed until the structure is replaced. MoDOT will work with its design staff and consultants to begin plans to replace the structure.
"We will have to delay other projects that were originally scheduled for 2014 in our Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)," said Shelton. "Some of those projects will be pushed back to 2016 or beyond."
An updated alternate route has been discussed and approved with local city and county officials. Crews will sign the alternate route today. For those traveling south from MO 53, go south on Route OO, south on US 62, east on County Road 306 and north on Route 53.
For more information, contact Wyman at (573) 421-0373, Shelton at (573) 472-5341 or call MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).
