Spring flooding along the Missouri River caused major damage to roads and bridges in Missouri and Nebraska as well as to the homes of residents in Rulo, Big Lake, Fortescue, and Craig, MO. Local drivers who often cross into Missouri are now having to find alternative routes.
Near record flood levels along the Missouri River have closed U.S. 159 and U.S. 136 near Brownville. The roads are expected to be closed for quite some time. Receding flooding waters have exposed damage to many roadways and bridges that will require emergency contracts. Estimated dates for opening the following roadways and bridges are unknown at this time.
According to MoDot.org, MO US Route 159 Route P to the Rulo Bridge: the mobility restoration target date is on or before June 1, 2019 (completion date dependent on weather and water levels). Contract completion date is targeted for June 1, 2019. Recent heavy rains may change the date. The contract has been awarded to: Phillips Hardy, Inc. Pavement repairs need to be made; debris removal, shoulder repair needs to be done, ditching/drainage work needs to be done, road/roadbed replacement needs to be done, major and minor pavement and guardrail repair needs to be redone. The minor repairs will be ongoing throughout the summer.
The Little Tarkio Creek Bridge – just west of Fortescue has been listed as a complete loss. The bridge will need replacement by the contractor. The date of completion has yet to be determined.
The Missouri River Bridge at Rulo Inspection has yet to be completed.
Holt County Route 111 from Corning to Craig, mobility restoration target date is unknown. All work to be done by the contractor, letting date to be determined; Debris removal, shoulder repair, ditching/drainage work, culvert replacement(s) and pavement repair.
Route 118 to Craig will need mobility restoration, target date, unknown, bridge south of Craig needs an inspection. All work to be done by the contractor, letting date to be determined. Debris removal, shoulder repair, ditching/drainage work, culvert replacement(s), road/roadbed replacement and pavement repair
Route 118 from Bigelow to US Route 159, ditching/drainage work – MoDOT – target date: July 1, 2019.
In Atchison County, MO, U.S. Route 136 will remain closed until further notice from I-29 to the Missouri River due to the road surface and shoulder damage extend from I-29 west to the Missouri River. The bridge at Phelps City, MO, one end of the roadway leading to the bridge is washed away. The Missouri River Bridge at Brownville, contractors may be brought in to complete an underwater inspection to look for damage to the supporting structures.
“All of our target completion dates are dependent on the water levels and weather,” said Jenna Keyes with the Missouri Department of Transportation.
“There are crews out working,” she said, “There was pretty significant damage due to the flooding,” said Keyes
To keep up to date, visit MoDot.org.
