New Bridge Being Built With Federal Funds
A new bridge being constructed over Indian Creek on Oscar Talley Road north of Lanagan is being built by federal funds, according to a county commissioner.
County Commissioner Keith Lindquist said the old Oscar Talley Bridge was condemned.
“It was a low-water crossing and we’re building it up 20 feet above the water so most people can cross most of the time,” he said.
A federal bridge replacement program, abbreviated BRO by the federal government, makes it possible for the county to complete the bridge at no cost, Lindquist said.
“This bridge will cost the taxpayers no (county) money whatsoever,” he said.
Chad Zickefoose of the Missouri Department of Transportation explained the BRO money is distributed statewide to the counties, based on the square footage of bridge decks that need some sort of repair. Counties can bank several years’ worth of distributions and replace a bridge. The BRO funds are an 80-20 match, but McDonald County earned credit toward its 20 percent match by doing repairs to a bridge on its own. MoDOT has a list of eligible bridges that communities can earn credit by doing their own repairs. The credit that goes toward the 20 percent match is called a “soft match.” The bridge replacement total value is $724,750, Zickefoose said. The county’s soft match is worth $144,950.
Lindquist said the engineering firm for the bridge is Lawrence Construction of California, Mo.
Commissioner David Holloway said Oscar Talley Road has been
closed since Halloween.
“We went around and talked to the (residents) that had to drive the furthest, and they were very good with it. They just appreciate us replacing the bridge. Now they will be able to get in and out when it floods,” Holloway said.