MoDOT PHOTO

Range Line bridge opens to traffic a month early

Construction of the new bridge that’s been causing drivers to detour around Range Line Road for three months has been completed more than one month ahead of schedule.

“The contractor, Hartman & Company, Inc. of Springfield, worked hard to get this bridge open several weeks ahead of schedule and in time for the Christmas shopping season,” says Steve Campbell, Southwest District engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation.

“We want to thank drivers, area businesses and our partners at the City of Joplin for their patience.”

The original bridge, built in 1976, closed in early September for demolition. Contractor crews replaced the old bridge with a new structure that is 2 feet higher and 15 feet wider than the one it replaced. The contractor also built new sidewalks on either side of the bridge.

The project cost $6.2 million and wasn’t supposed to be completed until Dec. 16.

Approximately 24,580 vehicles cross the bridge daily, according to MoDOT. 

For more information about the project, click: www.modot.org/range-line-roadkansas-city-southern-railroad-bridge-replacement.

In coming years, MoDOT plans to replace bridges on North Main Street (Missouri Route 43) over the Kansas City Southern Railroad and Turkey Creek. And a new bridge will be built on East 32nd Street over Kansas City Southern tracks.