Press Release - Closing Old Hwy E Wagon Bridge

OVERVIEW:
The bridge located on Old Hwy E (Wagon Bridge), north of Granby, over Shoal Creek is a 215-foot long by 18-foot wide 5-span closed fill spandrel arch structure built in 1922.
 
RECENT HISTORY:
On January 13, 2022, MoDOT conducted their regularly scheduled biennial inspection of the Old Hwy E bridge. As a result of that inspection, the structure was derated to a maximum load of 5 Tons (10,000 pounds). An additional engineering inspection was conducted by Allgeier, Martin and Associates, Inc. on October 31 and November 2, 2022, concerning the structural condition of the Old Hwy E bridge and to provide recommendations to the Commission concerning the structure. The integrity of the concrete near the elevation of the water has deteriorated significantly. Repairs to this type of bridge structure would be a cost prohibitive investment, and extremely challenging in order to maintain the required hydraulic bridge opening.
 
PAST RECOMMENDATIONS:
Given the advanced deterioration of the structure, it was recommended that the structure remain posted at 5 tons (10,000 pounds). The structure had exhibited signs of advanced deterioration and age, but evidence suggested that there was no current reason to close the structure provided that the posted load was not exceeded, and the structure was restricted to one lane. Advanced warning signs and supplemental pavement marking at the bridge helped to reinforce the one lane restriction. If the 5-ton (10,000 pounds) limit and one lane restriction was not followed, it was the recommendation of Allgeier, Martin, and Associates, Inc. to take this structure out of service. As a point of reference, a 1-ton pickup truck can weigh between 6,000 and 9,000 pounds.
 
CLOSING:
The recommended restrictions of a 5-ton limit continue to be ignored. The Old Hwy E (Wagon Bridge) will close on December 6, 2024, and remain closed until the bridge is replaced.  
 
Submitted by the Newton County Commission