By Karen Butterfield, Record Staff Writer
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, along with Warren and Franklin County representatives, city and state leaders, joined in breaking ground Friday morning, Aug. 12, for the new Highway 47 Missouri River Bridge.The ceremony was held along the Rotary Riverfront Trail in Washington, at the south pier of the existing bridge. Work on the bridge officially kicked off Monday, Aug. 15, and will continue for the next two years.“We can’t have first-rate American communities with third-rate infrastructure — including our roads, rail lines and bridges,” Nixon remarked. “And as you know, Washington is a first-rate community, and your continuing commitment to maintaining and updating infrastructure has given you a competitive edge when it comes to creating jobs and attracting new capital investment.”Nixon was among several officials to offer congratulations and thanks to area and state officials and to the community for its work on the project.Others who addressed the standing-room only crowd of approximately 300 to 400 people included Roberta Broeker, Missouri Department of Transportation chief financial officer; Washington Mayor Sandy Lucy; U.S. Congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, state Rep. Justin Alferman, state Rep. Bart Korman, Patrick McKenna, MoDOT director, and Bob Zick, Highway 47 Bridge Committee chairman.Gregg Smith, chairman of the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission, and representatives from Franklin and Warren counties also were present.“Building a bridge of this magnitude is a symbol of hope for our future,” said Lucy. “This new bridge will provide a safe crossing for generations to come and really, for those to come after us.”Lucy said it’s important to remember our past and to look to the future. She introduced four area residents who remember the current bridge as it was being built 80 years ago, including Dottie Bolzenius, Leland Nadler, Jim Feltmann Sr. and Jerry Novak.She also introduced area children who will use the new bridge in the future. Area children raised pennies for the project totaling almost $1,400 that were delivered to highway commission members in a wheel barrow.State Rep. Justin Alferman called the groundbreaking “surreal.” He grew up just blocks from the current bridge and said he always asked his parents how old it was. Even then, his parents just said, “old.”“We made sure MoDOT, the state and federal government understood the necessity and the need of this new bridge,” he said.Leutkemeyer lauded Zick’s leadership with the bridge committee, as did other speakers.Many thanked current and past mayors and city leaders and those who built the current bridge.“On behalf of the bridge committee, we hope you enjoy the new bridge,” Zick said.Zick noted the bridge will appeal to many, whether it’s the safety and the width of the new lanes, the pedestrian and bike pathway that will provide access to the Katy Trail, or the “graceful curve and steel girders that vary in height from 10 feet to 18 feet,” the fluted bridge piers, architectural reveals, lighting, or the view from the riverfront parking lot.“I’m looking forward to standing on the west overlook and watching the setting sun bathe the entire city and the river in that glowing red light,” he said. “I just can’t wait to see that.“I’m confident that the new bridge will become a symbol of the heritage and progress of our region for the next new generation the same way that we’re proud of this bridge.”The bridge project is among the largest-ever public works projects in this area. Other Ceremony DetailsThe Washington High School Band performed on the parking lot as people arrived at a designated shuttle site and the Washington High School A Cappella Choir sang the national anthem at the opening of the ceremony.The Washington American Legion and VFW Post presented the colors and Father Don Glastetter of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish gave the invocation.MoDOT Area Engineer Judy Wagner served as the master of ceremonies and MoDOT Chief Financial Officer Roberta Broeker, formerly from Washington, gave the welcoming remarks.The BridgeAlberici Constructors Inc. is the general contractor on the bridge project. The firm was awarded a $62,950,000 contract in June.The project calls for a new 2,560-foot-long bridge to be built just to the west — upstream — from the existing span which was completed in 1936. It will have two 12-foot driving lanes, two 10-foot shoulders and a 10-foot-wide biking/walking path along the west side. An overlook, where walkers and bikers can stop and view the river and cityscape, will be located at the center bridge pier.The new bridge path will connect to a biking/walking path along Highway 47, north of the river, which ties into the state’s Katy Trail, one of the longest continuous bicycle trails in the United States.The first work residents will see will be clearing work and development of staging areas, followed by drilling work in the river for new piers.The new bridge, designed by HDR, Inc., will have a 100-year life with limited maintenance and a variety of enhancements.Record Photo.
State Rep. Bart Korman, R-High Hill, shook hands with Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon at the Route 47 Missouri River Bridge groundbreaking Friday, Aug. 12, in Washington. In back is State Rep. Justin Alferman. Between 300 and 400 people attended the ceremony. The bridge project calls for a new 2,560-foot-long bridge to be built just to the west of the existing span. It will have two 12-foot driving lanes, two 10-foot shoulders and a 10-foot-wide biking/walking path along the west side. An overlook will be located at the center bridge pier. The new bridge path will connect to a biking/walking path along Highway 47, north of the river, which ties into the state’s Katy Trail. Record Photo.
