The bridge on Route YY over the Middle Fork of the Grand River, just east of Worth, is now closed, according to the Missouri Department of Transportation. The bridge was closed after a regularly scheduled inspection revealed critical deterioration to the structure. The anticipated closure time will not be known until further assessment is complete. The bridge will reopen once inspectors determine the bridge is safe for motorists. Until that time, drivers may use U.S. Route 169 to route around the closure. Motorists may also take Route 46 west from Grant City to Route Z, take Route Z to Route W, turn left on Route W, and reach YY.
“The safety of the traveling public and our workers remains our number one value at MoDOT,” said Northwest District Bridge Engineer Scott Stephens. “The closure of the bridge while our inspectors investigate a possible timeline for repair, ensures that motorists are not at risk.”
The Middle Fork Grand River Bridge, a truss bridge, was built in 1927 and carries approximately 200 vehicles a day. All bridges throughout the United States are federally required to be inspected at least every two years. MoDOT’s Northwest District has more than 1,300 bridges among its 20 counties. This program of inspection, repair and maintenance of the more than 10,000 bridges across the state ensures the bridges are kept in the best possible condition for as long as possible for those traveling across Missouri’s roadways.
In addition, crews from MoDOT’s Central Office travel around the state conducting in-depth inspections throughout the year. These often require specialized equipment like Snooper Trucks which allow inspectors the ability to get an up close look beneath bridges. It was this inspection that discovered the deterioration the prompted this closure.
The road is on a school bus route, and it made bus pickups in the Worth area longer.
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