Bridge on Castor River damaged by debris

AVERT — A Stoddard County Bridge on the Upper Castor River remains closed after being struck by a large raft of debris. County commissioners agreed to expedite paperwork verifying bridge ownership with MoDOT on January 17.

County Bridge 0550011 is located on county road 551 in Pike Township. Built in 1981, the damaged bridge is situated between the unincorporated communities of Avert and Toppertown.

Since closure, County officials have been in communications with MoDOT Engineer, Jerrod Jernigan and Little River Drainage District Mississippi River Chief Engineer, Dustin Boatwright to determine repairing or replacing the damaged bridge.

First things first: after receiving initial inspection reports of the damaged bridge, Jernigan requested verification of ownership be sent to Jefferson City.

Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis said, “(The) Corps does not own bridges. We own the bridge.”

The commissioners unanimously agreed to expedite communications with MoDOT concerning ownership.

The bridge spans the upper Castor River. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers is authorized to perform major maintenance and improvements on the upper Castor River. It was learned recent activity on the river banks may have contributed to the large amount of debris that struck the bridge.

Associate Commissioner C.D. Stewart said, “I have spoken with Boatwright. The Corp is sending excavation equipment to remove the debris. They are on their way.”