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Northwest Missouri Bridge Closed for Safety Check

By John Nixon

09/15/2014

(KLZA)-- The bridge on Route A over the Nodaway River, just east of Maitland, is now closed, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. Once flood waters have receded, inspectors from the state bridge division will determine if recent flooding has caused deterioration to the structure. The bridge closed this afternoon and will not reopen until inspectors are certain the bridge is safe for motorists. Motorists are asked to use Routes 113, 46 and U.S. Highway 71 as detour routes.

The 51-year-old bridge carries approximately 2,300 vehicles a day. Inspectors, concerned that recent flooding may have caused excessive scouring, have closed the bridge until a complete inspection is conducted. Once flood waters recede and inspectors have an opportunity to conduct a thorough inspection, they will determine if the scour has reached a point that continued use would exceed safe conditions.

"Safety is our highest priority at MoDOT, and closure of this structure ensures that travelers are not at risk," said MoDOT District Engineer Don Wichern. "Our team of inspectors will investigate and determine if it is safe for travelers to reopen the bridge or if it will need to remain closed until repairs can be made."

The Route A Nodaway River Bridge was built in 1963. All bridges throughout the United States are federally required to be inspected at least every two years. MoDOT's Northwest District has more than 1,300 bridges among its 20 counties

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