Heads up, Cedar County commuters. If your travel plans next Tuesday involve crossing the Missouri Route 97 bridge over Horse Creek, north of Jerico Springs, you might need to find yourself an alternate route. The bridge is getting a bit of TLC from MoDOT's crew, which means a temporary shutdown this tax day, according to Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT).
The work is slated for a 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. timeframe but, the good news is, the closure is just for the one day. While MoDOT isn't setting up a signed detour, they will be putting up signs and message boards to give you a heads up as you approach the work zone. Plus, all driveways and entrances on either side of the bridge will stay accessible to drivers during the work hours, it's just the drive-through that's a no-go.
What's the reason for this bridge-centric hubbub? MoDOT crews are diving in to work on the bridge, a critical piece of infrastructure that needs routine care to keep things safe and smooth for everyone. Updates and alternative routes for commuters will be made available on MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, should you need to chart a course around the construction.
So, what should you do? If you're one of those folks who rely on Route 97 for your daily comings and goings, start planning now to avoid the area come April 15th. It might be a hassle, yes, but safety takes precedence, and MoDOT's on the job to make sure the bridge stays sturdy and secure for the long haul. Just remember to check the map for road closings and traffic impacts, and maybe leave a little extra time to navigate the detour on your commute.
