MRPC Board Approves Bridge Replacement Rankings

The Meramec Regional Planning Commission (MRPC) approved the rankings June 8 for 11 bridges selected for the replacement program.

The rankings were compiled by the Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC).

Atop the list was High Point Road bridge over Brush Creek in Crawford County.

Four Mile Road bridge over Brush Creek and Please Valley Creek in Crawford County was ranked eighth.

The bridges submitted for consideration are on the local road system and in poor condition, per Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) inspection standards.

In the past, counties were allocated money for derelict bridges and it took three to four years for that county accumulate enough money and a 20 percent match to replace a bridge.

The system has changed and now money is pooled at the district level.

It is then allocated by regional planning officials and local representatives selected by the TAC.

MoDOT accepted applications for the top priority bridges by each eligible county and all submitted applications from the Meramec Region’s cities and counties were reviewed and ranked by the TAC.

The list now goes on for further consideration.

MRPC Executive Director Bonnie Prigge and Osage County Commission and TAC member Larry Kliethermes will meet with other planning partners in the Central District this month to determine projects that will get funding.

TAC will meet again Aug. 10 at MRPC in St. James.