© 2024 University of Missouri - KBIA
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

MoDOT Announces Columbia-Based Contractors to Replace Interstate 70 Bridges

MoDOT engineers worry that heavier trucks would spell rutted roads in rural Missouri.
Jacob Fenston
/
KBIA
MoDOT engineers worry that heavier trucks would spell rutted roads in rural Missouri.

  The Missouri Department of Transportation today announced Columbia-based Emory Sapp and Sons as the contractor selected to replace three bridges over Interstate 70. The $18 million project will replace bridges over Business Loop 70, Garth Avenue and Rangeline Street.

All three bridges were built in 1957 and are currently classified as safe, however they are in poor condition according to MoDOT. Emery Sapp and Sons Project Manager Chip Jones said given the continued wear and tear, the rebuilding process is necessary.

“As far as we know, they’re in poor condition. They continually require maintenance out there after a rain event, a snow event or something like that. They’re always having potholes forming in them, so it’s taken a lot of costs just to maintain them in their current condition.”

MoDOT officials say the project will combine design and construction into one contract to save time and resources. Travis Koestner, assistant director engineer for MoDOT Central District, said four proposals from four short listed teams were evaluated.

“The team’s proposals were evaluated on a set of criteria and goals which include long term durability for the area and least amount of traveling impact for the public during the process. The team of Emery Sapp and Sons and Parson’s consulting submitted the best value proposal for that after a scoring process.”

According to MoDOT, Sapp’s proposal outlines that closures will be limited to 30 days at Rangeline and 20 days at Garth Avenue with many closures happening overnight to minimize the impact on daytime commutes. The intersections at West Boulevard and Business Loop 70 will be closed for 45 days. Creasy Springs will be closed for approximately 15 days and the South I-70 Outer Road will be closed for 30 days. 

Related Content