MoDOT engineers have designed a short-term fix that will allow the Elkhorn Creek Bridge near Buell on MO 161 to be repaired and reopened by the end of October.  "We have determined we can repair the column that supports the bridge," said MoDOT Northeast District Engineer Paula Gough.  The bridge will remain closed during the repair and once reopened, it will continue to be load posted, which means:

· All vehicles must travel on the centerline of the bridge
· All trucks over 14 ton have a speed limit of 15 mph
· No single unit trucks more than 21 ton are allowed on the bridge, and all other trucks are weight limited at 37 ton

"It is imperative travelers comply with the posting for the safety and structural integrity of this bridge," Gough explained.  "We are able to complete this short-term repair with existing funds, but this is still a bridge that needs to be replaced at a cost of several hundred thousand dollars," she added.

Work will begin on the bridge the week of September 29, and weather permitting, MoDOT plans to open it before the end of October.

MoDOT will keep area drivers updated through local media and its free email subscription service.