Motorists in the Marthasville area will be noticing an increased police presence until the Tuque Creek bridge is replaced. A stretch of Highway 47 just south of Marthasville has been closed since April 11 when a MoDOT contractor began work on the bridge replacement project that is expected to take until July 31 to complete. Traffic is being detoured on Highway D through Marthasville and then on Boone Monument Road to allow motorists to bypass the road closure. Already, numerous traffic stops have been conducted in an attempt to slow down drivers. “Our emphasis is safety,” Sheriff Kevin Harrison said. “Our goal is when you use the detour you have to do it in a safe manner. Because of safety, the stops have significantly picked up.” This Highway 47 road closure is forcing drivers to navigate through Marthasville where at least two 90-degree turns must be made and through a school zone with children walking across the street mornings and afternoons. Authorities continue to see a heavy amount of large truck traffic coming through the area, although 18-wheelers are being encouraged to use other routes. Marthasville Police Chief Eugene Jenkins said he has noticed about triple the amount of traffic in the city. Despite the increase, no major issues have surfaced other than some traffic congestion. “Everything seems to be going as good or better than expected,” he said. Harrison agreed. “It’s not nearly as bad” as expected, Harrison said. “But if people don’t cooperate and be patient, we could have big problems.” Both Harrison and Jenkins are urging motorists to slow down on the detour route. Along with the school pedestrian traffic, another cause for concern is a mix of pedestrians and vehicles around the Marthasville Community Club with the summer baseball and softball leagues set to begin. Harrison pointed out that a deputy recently issued a ticket for a driver traveling 51 mph in a 30 mph zone. He added there will be no leniency in the school zone when children are present. “To me, that is a highway speed,” Harrison said. “Kids and yards are right there. We will increase visibility until the project is done.” Jenkins said most of the tickets he’s issued have been for drivers who don’t have insurance. He encouraged motorists to “slow down and have patience. It will end shortly.”