Districts Impacted
The Missouri Route 28 bridge over Dry Fork Creek, located south of Belle in Maries County, has reached the end of its useful life and is scheduled for replacement. Built in 1929, the bridge is in poor condition and does not meet current standards. The new bridge will be wider and longer with an upgraded guardrail system.
Bundled with this bridge replacement project are two bridge rehabilitation projects. The Maries County Route C bridge over Peavine Creek and the Maries County Route P bridge over Lanes Fork Creek will both have their decks, or driving surfaces, replaced.
Construction on all three bridges will require full closures and is expected to be completed by mid-2024.
Project Progress
The Missouri Department of Transportation and its consultant designed three projects in Maries County: a new bridge over Dry Fork Creek on Route 28 and the replacement of the bridge decks of the Route C Peavine Creek Bridge and the Route P Lanes Fork Creek Bridge.
The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded a $2,058,691.70 contract to Lehman Construction, LLC* to complete the three bridge projects. At that time the contractor was given a March 6, 2023, notice to proceed date - the earliest date they could begin work - and a June 1, 2024, completion date.
Included in the contract is the number of calendar days the contractor may close each bridge:
- Dry Fork Creek - 143 days
- Peavine Creek - 59 days
- Lanes Fork Creek - 56 days
*Lehman Construction, LLC was acquired by Capital Paving & Construction, LLC. Capital is assuming the Lehman contract.
The contractor began the bundle of bridge projects in the fall of 2023. The contract prevents the simultaneous closure of the Route 28 Dry Fork Creek Bridge and the Route C Peavine Creek Bridge. The Route P Lanes Fork Creek Bridge can, by contract, close concurrently with either of the other projects.
Route P bridge over Lanes Fork Creek – Open
Closed Oct. 23 - Dec. 15, 2023.
Built in 1967, the supporting structures of the bridge are in good condition but the driving surface had deteriorated. Construction crews closed the bridge on the morning of Oct. 23, 2023, to begin replacing the deck. Work was completed on Dec. 15, 2023, and the bridge reopened to all traffic. No detour was signed for the duration of construction, but signs located well ahead of the closure alerted motorists to use an alternate route.
Route 28 bridge over Dry Fork Creek – Open
Closed Nov. 27, 2023 - March 29, 2024.
This nearly 100-year-old bridge is in poor condition, not up to current standards, and has reached the end of its useful life. The new structure will be longer and wider with upgraded guardrails.
The bridge replacement project began on Nov. 27, 2023, when construction crews restricted all access to the bridge. Construction crews worked diligently and completed the new bridge on March 29, 2024, earlier than the original completion date of April 18, 2024. A signed detour was in place directing motorists to use U.S. Route 63 and Missouri Route 42.
Route C bridge over Peavine Creek - Open
Closed April 1 - May 22, 2024.
Built in 1965, the supporting structures of the bridge are in good condition, but the deck had deteriorated and needed replacement. No detour was signed for the duration of construction, but signs located well ahead of the closure alerted motorists to use an alternate route.
Work on all three bridges is expected to be completed by June 1, 2024.
Progress on new Dry Fork Creek Bridge
The new Dry Fork Bridge is complete and Route 28 is open to traffic.
March 29, 2024
Construction crews pour the deck of the new Dry Fork Creek Bridge.
Feb. 19, 2024.
Construction crews install the beams for the new Dry Fork Creek Bridge on Missouri Route 28 in Maries County.
Jan. 26, 2024.
Construction crews install the beams for the new Dry Fork Creek Bridge on Missouri Route 28 in Maries County.
Jan. 26, 2024.
Crews work on constructing the substructure of the new Dry Fork Creek Bridge.
Dec. 12, 2023.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON MARIES 28 BRIDGE REPLACEMENT
Why is MoDOT replacing the bridge?
The nearly 100-year-old bridge is in poor condition. Built in 1929, the bridge does not meet current standards and has reached the end of its useful life.
What will the new bridge look like?
The new structure will be a prestressed concrete girder bridge. The wider and longer bridge will feature shoulders on both sides, a concrete barrier that meets current safety standards, an upgraded guardrail system, and be elevated 2 feet higher than the old bridge. The roadway adjacent to the bridge will be reconstructed to meet the new raised grade of the bridge.
How long will Route 28 be closed?
The contractual agreement allows the contractor to close the bridge for up to 143 consecutive days to complete the work.
How was the timing of the closure decided?
MoDOT often provides a time frame for projects, rather than a specific start date. For Route 28 over Dry Fork Creek, the 143-day closure could take place between the completion of the Gasconade County Route B bridge deck replacement over Dry Fork Creek project and June 1, 2024 (contractual completion date).
While the initial target start was in June 2023, the original company and their contracts were acquired by another company that had ongoing commitments. Our project team will work closely with the contractor to ensure the new Dry Fork Creek Bridge is completed in as timely a manner as possible and within the contractual agreement.
Following this bridge replacement project, a resurfacing is planned for 2024 for this section of Route 28.
Is there a detour?
Yes, there is a signed detour directing motorists to use U.S. Route 63 and Missouri Route 42. Of the MoDOT-maintained roads, the chosen route provides the best pavement structure for both passenger and commercial traffic.
Were other options considered?
During the design phase, several options were taken into consideration including building a temporary bridge to avoid closing the road. Installing a temporary bridge with temporary grading, temporary pavement, right of way acquisition, and associated costs carried an additional price tag of approximately $1.2 million.
The final design with selected detour offered the best cost/benefit ratio while being diligent stewards of taxpayer funds.
What if I have further questions?
You may email cdcr@modot.mo.gov or call us at 888 ASK MODOT (1-888-275-6636). Please reference Missouri Route 28 bridge replacement over Dry Fork Creek project on your inquiries.
How can I stay updated on the project’s progress?
Sign up for project-specific updates using the form below.
Missouri Route 28 Dry Fork Creek Bridge Conditions
Maries County Route C Peavine Creek Bridge Conditions
Maries County Route P Lanes Fork Creek Bridge Conditions
