By Janine Davis Record Staff Writer Structural engineers from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) reported to county commissioners this week on the state of the county’s bridges, identifying a handful of structures that are deficient, but overall concluding local bridges are sound and well maintained. “All in all, your bridges are in very good shape,” MoDOT inspection engineer Skip Wilson told county commissioners in a presentation of findings Tuesday. “A lot of other counties would like to be in your shape.” MoDOT’s inspections covered the county’s 91 bridge structures, finding only 8 percent to be structurally deficient, well below the 13 percent average in northeastern counties as a “control” sample. The inspections are conducted every two years. Deficient bridges — some dating back to the early 1900s — that are eligible for repair funding are on North Rock Church Road, Morsey Road, Masses Creek Road, Godt Road, Canelos Farm Road, Bluff Road, Schomberg Road and Lost Creek Road. While seven of the county’s bridges are more than 50 years old, Wilson and Bob Mansky, also from MoDOT, reported that 32, or 35 percent, bridges in the county have been built in the last 10 years. “One thing we were seeing continually on a number of your bridges were some repair opportunities with decks, which are a big priority with MoDOT,” said Wilson, noting salt and other de-icing agents seep down through the concrete to corrode the steel below and also deteriorate the concrete. “Anything we can do to prevent that is a plus.” Wilson said MoDOT uses a product called Pavon as an asphalt sealer that prevents saturation of moisture into the concrete and preserves the longevity of the bridge decks. Mansky told commissioners that match-credit funding through MoDOT is available to begin preliminary engineering for major construction repairs and get plans ready for bids. Near-term funds also will be available to begin work on one or two of the largest projects. He said there is a sizable statewide balance for road programs. Mansky, Wilson and commissioners praised Warren County Road Department head Gary Ruether and his team for the excellent work they do to keep roads and bridges in good shape. “They do a tremendous job,” said Mansky. Presiding Commissioner Arden Engelage said the commissioners will begin working with the county road department to prioritize needs based on the report.
MoDOT: most of 91 county bridges are in good shape
