Callaway County bridge renovations could affect first responders, bus routes
CALLAWAY COUNTY, Mo (KMIZ)
Monday, the Missouri Department of Transportation will begin renovating the Callaway County Route BB bridge northwest of Tebbets for the Bridge Deck Replacement Project.
Although the bridge, constructed in 1968, maintains a robust base, the deterioration of the deck necessitates this temporary shutdown.
The closure is anticipated to significantly impact daily commuters, with over four hundred vehicles passing through the bridge regularly, according to the MODOT's project plan. To efficiently manage this situation, MODOT has already taken preemptive measures by having signs ready to be posted, signaling the closure miles ahead of the bridge.
The South Callaway Fire Protection Fire District notes that the closure mainly affects Station 2. Firefighters from that station will now need to navigate through county roads to reach emergencies in the area.
Josh Lippincott, captain for Station 3, mentions Callaway County firefighters have had several route meetings and send regular reminders to staff about the status of the highway.
"It is a common road for those responding from our southern Stations. The response from those stations will be extended as the alternate routes do require more road miles as well as lower speeds depending on what routes need to be taken," Lippincott said. "Some of these routes go through more residential areas and require passing through areas that have a higher potential for vehicle and pedestrian traffic,"
School systems are also taking into consideration how this closure will affect bus routes.
"We have three routes that the closure will affect. We have adjusted accordingly and do not anticipate any major disruptions," said Ryan Burns with the Jefferson City School District.
To manage the closure, MODOT has outlined a detour route directing drivers over Routes AA, 94, and PP.
The project is estimated to cost $632,000 and will begin on Monday and last until mid-April, according to MoDot's press release.
