Sneak Peek (09/18)

A Small Push Backwards

Castile Creek bridge opening pushed at least one day.

The adage “It isn’t over until it’s over” appears to be true in the case of the Castile Creek bridge replacement on 169 Highway just south of Gower. 

As reported in last week’s edition of The Leader, the opening was originally scheduled to take place Thursday, September 19, but according to an update Monday, September 16, from Austin Hibler, in-house-engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation, the opening has been pushed back at least one day to Friday, September 20. 

This stretch of highway has been closed since Monday, June 10,  when the bridge replacement began. 
When contacted Monday, Hibler confirmed rumors of a delay due to rain last week that slowed the laying and smoothing of asphalt on the approaches from both the north and south ends of the bridge. These approaches, totaling 300 feet on the north and 400 feet on the south, must be laid in numerous sections until the total 12-inch height is laid and smooth.

Hibler said he was trying to contact the construction company to see if a Friday opening was still feasible. As of deadline, it is still unclear if the opening will occur Friday or later. If the bridge opens Friday, there will be a ribbon cutting at the bridge at 4 p.m. to celebrate the movement of traffic again on this stretch of highway.
​
As far as residents who use this highway daily, it can’t happen too soon, but will be warmly received when it finally opens.

Brett Adkison

brett-adkison.html