The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is on the lookout for public input regarding the rehabilitation of the Cole County Route AA bridge over South Moreau Creek, just south of Russellville. Initially constructed in 1965, the bridge's underlying structures have weathered the years with resilience. However, as reported by MoDOT, the driving surface itself has not fared as well and is slated for a much-needed replacement. MoDOT's construction strategy, thus far, involves a full closure of Route AA at the creek, redirecting traffic alongside a signed detour route.
Seeking community participation, MoDOT has laid out the carpet for feedback through an open-house meeting and a comment period that spans three weeks. Although constructed in 1965, the bridge that has enabled countless crossings, now stands as a focal point for the community's engagement in guiding the future of their daily routes. The meeting will take place on June 3, at Russellville's Shelter Hall, with the doors open between 4:30 to 6 p.m. It offers a venue where questions can be freely addressed, and suggestions can be shared with the project team—all without the confines of a formal presentation.
In its promise to keep lines of communication as wide as the roads it maintains, MoDOT also extends the invitation to submit comments online, beginning May 27 through June 19. Inputs may be sent via the online form found on the project's webpage, emailed to [email protected], or snail-mailed straight to their Jefferson City address. All comments are requested to be received or carry a postmark no later than June 19. Accompanying the in-person meeting, all meeting exhibits will be available to the public online starting on Tuesday.
Accessibility remains a cornerstone of MoDOT's philosophy; thus, it urges anyone in need of special accommodations or translation services to reach out by next Wednesday. The Department can be contacted at 573-522-5178 or via email at [email protected] for arrangements to be made.
