CALLAWAY COUNTY - A bridge deck replacement on Route M over Interstate 70 has reopened to traffic following work to replace the bridge deck.

The Route M bridge is located at mile marker 144. The original structure was built in 1961 and was 201 feet long and 24 feet wide.  The new bridge deck widens the driving surface to 26 feet.

Work began on July 7 and the bridge was closed to traffic during the construction.  The bridge reopened to traffic on October 2.  Additional work continues underneath the bridge and occasional lane closures on Interstate 70 will occur at this location as crews remove the bridge forms and paint the structure.  MoDOT extends its thanks to motorists for their patience while the work was underway.

The deck replacement cost approximately $459,067.  The improvements are part of MoDOT's Safe & Sound Bridge Improvement Program, which will improve 800 of Missouri's worst bridges in five years. Ninety bridges will be replaced or repaired in the mid-Missouri area as a part of this program.

Fifteen bridges, including the Route M bridge, have been completed in Central Missouri.  Ninety-five bridges have been completed statewide.

For more information about the planned work or for a complete listing of bridges included in the program, please call 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636) or log onto www.modot.org/central. You can also follow MoDOT's Central District on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MoDOT_Central.

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