Bridge replacements on Highway 96 to be discussed at public meeting in Carthage

(From MODOT)

The public is invited to learn more about the schedule for replacing two bridges on Missouri Route 96 at a public meeting scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 21, at Carthage City Hall, 326 Grant Street in Carthage, the Missouri Department of Transportation said. 

The project includes replacement of the bridge over the Missouri and Northern Arkansas railroad tracks in northeast Carthage that was closed in September 2016 due to extreme deterioration.

The meeting is set for 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in City Council Chambers and is a come-and-go style meeting with NO FORMAL PRESENTATION.

The project also includes the replacement of the bridge over the nearby Spring River Overflow.

Both bridges will be open to traffic no later than Sept. 15, 2017, with remaining work to be completed by Oct. 15, 2017.

There are financial incentives for the contractor if both bridges are open prior to the Sept. 15 deadline.

MoDOT and contractor representatives will be on hand to answer questions about the traffic impacts and the construction timeline for the project.

Those unable to attend can view an online public meeting which will include the same exhibits. Those who view the online public meeting can send in questions via e-mail.  The online public meeting will be available beginning Feb. 21 at www.modot.org/southwest.

The MNA Railroad bridge was built in 1934 while the Spring River Overflow bridge was built in 1953. Both carry approximately 5,000 vehicles a day.

Weather and/or construction delays will alter the work schedule.

Traffic Impact During Construction:

• Route 96 will be CLOSED between both bridges
• Drivers will have access to entrances on either side of each bridge, however, drivers will NOT be able to cross the bridges during construction
• Traffic will be detoured using Missouri Routes 96, 37, 571, I-44 and Jasper County Route E

Project background:

• Prime contractor: Clarkson Construction Co., Kansas City
• Completion date: October 15, 2017 (bridges open to traffic no later than Sept. 15)
• Total cost: $6.2 million