The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) says repairs are underway on the Missouri Route 240 bridge over Salt Creek, south of Fayette.

A news release says MoDOT bridge inspectors identified deterioration on the structure and felt the safest course of action was to close the 90-year-old bridge to traffic on Thursday, October 27.

“Crews doing routine maintenance work on the bridge deck noticed an issue with the bridge joints and called in our bridge inspectors,” says MoDOT Central District Bridge Engineer Derek Lepper. “We then found significant deterioration along the girders that needs to be addressed and made the decision that the safest course of action was the close the bridge until repairs could be made.”

Crews are now working to stabilize and reinforce the areas of concern along the bridge. The deteriorated portions will be encased in concrete to ensure a solid structure. This work will require the bridge to stay closed for up to 5 weeks.

MoDOT says they understand the inconvenience of the closure and want to thank local motorists for their patience.

“We know how important this route and bridge are to the local community,” says Lepper. “Our design team is also working on a more long-term solution that will take place in the next few years.”

MoDOT hopes to have the project added to the next Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) which is scheduled to be released next Summer.