EMS workers planning ahead for bridge closure

Two weeks ahead of the April 15th shutdown of the westbound Missouri River bridge, Jefferson City emergency crews say response times should not suffer.

The bridge closing poses a problem for EMS workers as it is the only quick access to area’s north of the river.

To combat this, Jefferson City Fire Division Chief Jason Turner says the agency plans to work with Holt’s Summit Fire Protection district on emergencies in those areas.

“There’s one way into Jefferson City on that side of the river which is the Highway 54 access,” said Turner. “The early morning rush, the afternoon rush going outside the city is a concern for the Fire Department.”

One such area is the Jefferson City Memorial Airport, a major county investment.

“We want to make sure that we continue to provide the best possible service there. Making sure that there isn’t a delay in the event of any emergency there,” said Turner.

The Missouri River Bridge repair project is scheduled to be completed in mid-August.