Why is MoDOT doing this project?
Drivers on Route W over Smithville Lake will see some repairs in April 2012. The Missouri Department of Transportation will fix two bridges that carry traffic over the lake.
The Route W Bridge over the Owl Creek Arm has damage to the support column on the bottom of the bridge. The work needed to fix the problem will require complete road closure.
The Route W Bridge further west, near Little Platte Park, will receive joint repair and guardrail work. This will require closing one lane and moving traffic across the structure using a temporary signal.
Routine inspections identified the issues that prompted the need for structural repairs. Although both the bridges are safe, the need is evident.
How Does this Benefit Me? By completing the repairs, MoDOT is able to minimize additional deterioration, prolonging the life of the bridges. This will save taxpayers' money and maintain a safe structure. The sooner repairs are made, the less time a closure is required.
What is the timeline? Work is expected to start April 13 on the Route W Bridge west, near Little Platte Park, reducing the bridge to one lane. Traffic will cross the structure using a temporary signal. Access to the boat ramp will be maintained during the bridge work.
Repairs for the Route W Bridge over Owl Creek Arm are on the substructure of the bridge, requiring complete bridge closure beginning Monday, April 23 for no more than 30 days.
Work will be done consecutively on the bridges. All work is weather dependent and will be finished by the end of May in time for the Memorial Day weekend.
What's the Detour: The detour will send motorists the safest way around the bridge closure. Traffic will be diverted to north on Route J to southbound Route C to reconnect with Route W. The total length of the detour is less than 6 miles. Local traffic will have access up to the bridge closure.
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