MoDOT awards contract for replacement of the North Sorrels Overpass Drive bridge

BOONE COUNTY, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) has awarded a contract for the replacement of the North Sorrels Overpass Drive bridge over Interstate 70 west of Columbia.

According to MoDOT, Emery Sapp and Sons, Inc. received the contract after the company submitted a low bid of $1,038,857.

The department closed the 63-year-old bridge to traffic on Monday following a crash.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a roll-off truck driven by David O'Bryan, 51, of Boonville, Missouri, crashed into the side of the bridge.

Troopers said O'Bryan was taken by ambulance to University Hospital in Columbia with serious injuries. MU Health Care told ABC 17 News on Tuesday that O'Bryan is in good condition.

MoDOT had previously scheduled to replace the bridge in 2022.

"In the aftermath of Monday's crash, it became imperative to accelerate this project," said Assistant Central District Engineer Randy Aulbur.

Emery Sapp and Sons can start work on the bridge replacement project as soon as Monday.

According to MoDOT, the terms of the contract require Emery Sapp and Sons to demolish the bridge by Nov. 8.

A department spokesperson said overnight closures are expected during the bridge demolition project. Any closures of the eastbound or westbound lanes are expected to last fewer than 15 minutes.

Drivers who travel through that area of I-70 are asked to give themselves extra time to travel or to pick a different route.

Aulbur said, "the closures are necessary for the safety of travelers and workers on the road."

Drivers can find updates on the project and possible closure times on the MoDOT Traveler Information Map website.