SIKESTON-In time for the start of the school year and fall harvest, the three bridges on Route 34 near Burfordville are expected to reopen by Aug. 17.

To celebrate completion of the bridges over Whitewater Overflow, Whitewater River and Byrd Creek, a ribbon cutting ceremony will be held at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17. The event will be held on the deck of the Whitewater River bridge. Attendees may enter at the easternmost barricades at Byrd Creek and drive west to the ceremony. Parking will be available in the driving lanes. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Bollinger Mill. The public is invited to attend.

Anticipated speakers include:

•·         Mr. Tom Schulte on behalf of U.S. Senator Roy Blunt

•·         Mr. Ken Warbritton, MoDOT Safe & Sound Project Director

•·         Cape Girardeau County Presiding Commissioner Clint Tracy

•·         Mr. Harry Koenigs, KTU Constructors Project Director, MoDOT 554 Bridge Project

•·         MoDOT Southeast Assistant District Engineer Matt Seiler

"The projects replaced bridges that were constructed in the 1930s," said Southeast Regional Field Engineer Andy Meyer. "The bridges had suffered wear and tear from the ever increasing traffic loads and salt application."

He explained the bridges needed to be replaced, and work was scheduled during the summer to minimize the impact to the school and local farmers as much as possible.

"We appreciated the patience of the local community and Route 34 travelers as the projects were completed," he added.

The new structures will be beneficial to area travelers.

"The new bridges are 10-feet wider and feature a lower rail height, which will better serve the agricultural and truck traffic on Route 34," said Meyer.

The projects were completed as part of the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, which will improve over 800 bridges statewide by winter 2013.

For more information, please contact Meyer at (573) 472-5296, Assistant Resident Engineer David Wyman at (573) 840-9781 or 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636), or visit www.modot.org/southeast/safeandsound.htm. 

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