The deck for the new Cowskin Creek bridge west of Ava was poured during the early morning hours Tuesday when temperatures were cooler. MoDOT officials say both the Cowskin bridge and the Fox Creek bridge near Gentryville are on schedule and should reopen within the next two weeks.
As work progresses on two Highway 14 bridges in Douglas County, MoDOT officials believe they are on target to complete the bridges within the next couple of weeks.
The Route 14 bridge over Cowskin Creek west of Ava is scheduled for completion by Aug. 3.
Angela Eden, MoDOT customer relations in the Springfield District Office, said crews poured concrete for the bridge deck after midnight Tuesday morning due to the cooler temperatures.
“The deck will have to set until it hardens enough and then concrete for bridge railings will be poured. We should be able to open the bridge by the Aug. 3 deadline,” Eden said.
There were some challenges with getting the bridge footings built on the Fox Creek Bridge on Highway 14 east of Ava near Gentryville, but the contractor is still hoping to meet the July 29 completion date.
Contractor crews were to install girders for the bridge earlier this week. They will still need to pour concrete for the bridge deck and pour concrete for bridge walls, and then it can open, Eden said.
“The contractor is striving to meet the July 29 completion date, but the opening may be delayed a few days,” Eden added.
The Douglas County Highway 76 bridge at Beaver Creek between Ava and Goodhope is scheduled to close Aug. 15 for replacement, and will remain closed until Sept. 28.
The Beaver Creek bridge on Highway 76 at Bradleyville, in Taney County, is scheduled to close on Aug. 1 for replacement, and will be closed for two months.
Having two bridges closed on the same state highway in two different counties during the same time period will certainly create some inconveniences for motorists.
“While we know it’s an inconvenience, there will be detours set up for both bridges so that people can get between Ava and Forsyth, just not directly like they can now.”
Due to the recent changes made within the Missouri Department of Transportation, Douglas County is no longer in the Southwest (Springfield) District but is now a part of MoDOT’s Southeast District with headquarters in Sikeston.
However, Eden said she and MoDOT media spokesman Bob Edwards will continue to follow the bridge work in Douglas County and give updates on the projects here, since this is new to the Sikeston office.
