South 11th Street bridge is closed for replacement

The Poplar Bluff Street Department closed the South 11th Street bridge over Pike Creek around 11 a.m. Friday because the structure had become too dangerous to use.

Engineers have reported it has deteriorated more in the last six months, said city manager Mark Massingham, who looked at the bridge Thursday afternoon.

“It’s become dangerous,” he said.

A replacement project is expected to be let out for bid in September.

The hope is for it to be replaced by the end of the year, officials say.

The bridge will be used by the Poplar Bluff Industrial Park’s newest factory, Empire Comfort Systems, which is under construction now.

Removal and replacement of the South 11th Street bridge is expected to cost approximately $431,000, according to city officials. Road improvements, including new asphalt, are estimated to cost $537,000.

A Community Development Block Grant will pick up 85 percent of the expenses, under a program by the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

“This bridge has needed replaced for years,” said Massingham in November. “This is really a windfall for the city. Our share is 15 percent, which on both projects, we’re out $122,000.”

City money will come from the 2019 capital improvement budget, he said.