Work begins on Mid-Missouri bridge known for safety problems

Work is finally underway on a Mid-Missouri bridge with a long history of safety problems.

ABC 17 first reported on the issues on Rustic Road more than three years ago.

The bridge is so unsafe that officials dropped the weight limit to three tons.

A typical fire truck weighs three times as much, and school buses have stopped using it.

For more than 80 years, the bridge has been the only link between one neighborhood and east Broadway in Columbia.

There have also been complications trying to find a company to replace it.

Last year, ABC 17 News was told the county only got one bid, and it was more than $150,000 over budget.

However, that will change next Wednesday. Crews are using four semi trucks to deliver steel beams.

The process will last until the early afternoon, and delays are expected on Route WW.