Cole Co. crews building new bridge over low-water crossing

Cole County is working on a fix for a constant trouble spot. Next week crews will start installing a bridge on Vaughn Fork Road over the Moreau Creek. It is an area that floods almost every time there is a storm.

Nearby neighbor Thomas LePage said it makes it nearly impossible to cross. LePage said, “you don’t drive in that water, you just better stay off of it then”.

The water level was high Monday at this crossing on Vaughn Ford Road, even though it has not rained over the past few days. Creating a safe place for drivers to get across the creek is the main reason for building the bridge.

LePage said he’s seen the road flood many times. “It’s just too high, anytime there is a foot of water on that edge, you stay off of it”.

The project will cost about $270,000. Crews surveyed the area Monday, and work will get underway in a week.

“I’m sure they’ll raise it a few feet and make a big box culvert or something, and it’ll be a lot lot better”, said LePage.

Cole County Public Works officials said the project is expected to be complete by the end of the year.