Saturday, June 11, 2011

Major bridge closing in 2013?

Here’s a bit of traffic I came across on the internet concerning the large bridge that crosses Bull Shoals and which connects the communities like Forsyth, Taneyville and Cedar Creek to Branson Missouri:

MoDOT and local officials in Taney County are discussing how to reroute traffic during a bridge construction project planned for 2013. The Highway 76 bridge in Forsyth was built in 1953 and is in need of major repairs. MoDOT spokesman Bob Edwards says the plan is to remove and replace the superstructure, or everything above the columns, and that would mean closing the bridge while the work is done”


The bridge they are referring to is a major and critical artery which allows thousands of commuters access from their homes to Branson each day. Closing it will mean that some travelers will have to extend their commute time to work by as much as an hour. This planned at a time when gas prices are very uncertain. Leaving it open is also not an option as the structure built in 1953 is in need of major repairs.

It’s my understanding that alternative routes are now being considered. I would love to know what ideas are being discussed. Whatever happens, count on delays increased commute times for some.

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