Missouri signs will identify bridges to be repaired, replaced

Drivers around Kansas City will start recognizing which bridges will be improved over the next five years as Missouri Department of Transportation workers erect "Safe & Sound" logo signs on more than 800 of the state's worst bridges.

In the greater Kansas City area, more than 130 bridges will be improved with this program. The first bridge in the area will be on the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission agenda for approval at its Nov. 7 meeting in Kansas City's Northland.

Last month, the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission directed MoDOT to launch the Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program with at least 100 bridges under construction early in 2009.

"When drivers see these signs, they should begin thinking about the probability that they will be closed during construction and plan accordingly," MoDOT Director Pete Rahn said. "Closing these bridges lets the contractor complete the work quickly and get the bridges back open faster. It also keeps our costs down."

All of the signs will be up by the end of October, and as construction schedules are developed, MoDOT will begin prepping the public for what they can expect as work gets underway.

MoDOT has scheduled the first Community Briefing for the Safe and Sound program for Oct. 16 at the Dearborn High School in Dearborn, Mo. At the meeting, MoDOT will discuss two bridges in northern Platte County that will be under construction this spring.