Flooding Washes Out Bridges, Culverts Across Crawford County

Widespread flooding damaged bridges, culverts and roadways throughout Crawford County’s District 1, forcing several closures and prompting county crews to suspend routine maintenance while they address the most serious problems.

District 1 Commissioner Mark Pfeiffer said crews spent the weekend making temporary repairs where possible and compiling a list of damage. Some repairs could be completed relatively quickly, while others could take several days or longer.

“We have our work cut out for us for the next few weeks,” Pfeiffer said. “I’ve heard it more than I can count: ‘We’ve never had rains like this before.’ These 100-year floods are visiting us every six months, so we are going to have to change their name.”

The Westover bridge is closed until further notice after approximately one-third of the structure collapsed and the remaining portion tilted toward the upstream side.

“I cannot stress enough: Please do not cross this bridge,” Pfeiffer said.

Missouri Route 49 near Dan Halbert Road and Dry Creek was also closed by the Missouri Department of Transportation. Pfeiffer said county crews would work on nearby county roads to help accommodate additional traffic using alternate routes.

Keysville Road at the railroad berm was also closed.

Pfeiffer listed several other roads where culverts, concrete slabs, bridges or bridge approaches were washed out. Most were described as partial closures.

The affected roads included Sig Bass, Keysville, Old Davisville, Crabtree, McInnis Bridge, Big Shoal, Little Shoal, Seven Cedars, Ollie Coleman, Davisville, Wilhite and Sellers roads.

Both approaches to the John Coleman bridge were completely washed away. Pfeiffer said the bridge was already scheduled for replacement within the next several weeks and would not reopen before that work begins.

Additional damage may be discovered as floodwaters recede and crews gain access to isolated areas.

“I’m sure there are ones I’ve missed and some we couldn’t even lay eyes on yet due to the damage on roads leading to those,” Pfeiffer said.

County crews will prioritize impassable roads, damaged bridges and failed culverts. Normal maintenance work, including pothole patching, grading washboard roads and brush hogging, will be placed on hold until further notice.

Pfeiffer asked residents to limit calls to reports of roads that are impassable while crews respond to the flood damage.

He thanked county employees, residents, emergency services personnel and volunteers for their work and support during the flooding.

Pfeiffer also recognized Chuck Renner and volunteers associated with the Missouri Ozark Rally. The racing event was canceled because of the flooding, but volunteers remained in the area to clear trees and remove debris from affected businesses.

“Some areas may not look like it right now, but we still live, work and get to enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth,” Pfeiffer said. “Remember to please be kind and patient as we put all of this back together.”