HANNIBAL – The work to replace around 1500 rivets on the Champ Clark Bridge on U.S. 54 over the Mississippi River at Louisiana is now completed.  In addition to this work, MoDOT crews were able to get in and flush and stripe the bridge, so there are not any future closures expected.

"The work went much quicker than anticipated, and we appreciate all the crews who worked long days to get it done," said MoDOT Area Engineer Brian Haeffner.  "We are also grateful to the drivers who had to endure the closures, as we know it is inconvenient every time we have to close the bridge for repairs," he added.

The rivet repair was scheduled as a result of an inspection of the bridge in August.  Other smaller items were noted to need repaired, but did not require significant closure of the bridge.  "We continue to make repairs that allow us to keep the bridge in its current condition, and we hope to secure funding for a new bridge over the next few years," Haeffner said.

Pictures of the rivet repairs and striping of the bridge are online at www.modot.org/northeast under Road Work and Pike County